Who are we?
Our DNA, our commitments
Present today in 6 countries around the world, the Siel Bleu Association support nearly 294,000 participants every week thanks to its 1,037 professionals in adapted physical activity.
On a daily basis, we work with more than 10,000 partners in Europe to give everyone, whatever their ability, location or financial situation, the opportunity to improve their health and well-being throughout their lives.
As a social and solidarity player, the Siel Bleu Association is committed to tomorrow's health. Winner of various awards and distinctions around the world, the Siel Bleu Association has continued to grow and act to prove that Adapted Physical Activity has a positive impact on the health of the participants on a daily basis and a positive economic impact on health policies.
And we're not stopping there!
Siel Bleu continues to expand through a number of projectsin Europe and abroad. Siel Bleu centers have recently opened in Germany and Portugal (you can read about them here), we have an international presence, and our vocation is to grow our family, to continue to transmit our vision and values, and to spread our smile.
So, ready or not? What if it was your turn to launch? Do you want to develop Siel Bleu in your country?
What is Adapted Physical Activity?
To understand what Adapted Physical Activity is, we first need to define what it is.physical activity Physical activity is the performance of bodily movements through muscle contraction, thereby increasing energy expenditure. It differs from sport, which is generally associated with performance and competition.
We therefore speak ofAdapted Physical ActivityAPA) when these movements are adapted to the abilities, needs and desires of the individual, particularly the frail.
Our vision, our mission
Good health is a right and prevention is a common good to which everyone should have access.
"Draw me a sheep..." Our dream? A society in which everyone has access to universal preventive tools, including Physical Activity adapted to their needs, desires and possibilities, whatever their age or state of health, for a better quality of life, through good habits and a more active lifestyle.
support people throughout their lives to help them feel better in mind and body: elderly people, people with chronic illnesses, migrants, employees, carers, people with disabilities... Or anyone affected by precariousness. Caring for the last man standing is non-negotiable.
Our fundamental principles are financial and geographical accessibility for all, because we believe that staying healthy is a right and should never become a luxury.
Ready for this mission? Join us and get started!
Our support from head to toe
A head: the Siel Bleu Institute
Inventing, studying and disseminating new healthcare practices accessible to the greatest number of people, in collaboration with specialists from the medical world.
Two arms: the Siel Bleu equipment
Our own range of adapted material designed with the participants and the professionals of Siel Bleu.
A heart: the Siel Bleu Foundation
Ensure the financial and geographical accessibility of our programs, while preserving and transmitting the vision and values of the Siel Bleu Association since 1997.
Two legs: the sessions
All types of sessions: group classes, in hospitals, retirement homes, individual home coaching, etc...
Or "Siel Bleu at work" which offers activities for employees in the workplace.
As you can imagine, to best support our participants, we use these two main tools to create social links:
Adapted Physical Activity and smiles... but not only!
Tools to support you
In order to be as close as possible to the needs of our partners and participants, Siel Bleu has developed over the years a list of tools (as long as your arm):
- Dietary support such as Nutrisiel in France, for expertise on healthy eating: support and educate participants on better nutrition, alongside the sessions.
- A 5-day support program with stays*, for a wellness break: an opportunity to exchange ideas, discover new health tools and treat yourself to a moment of well-being, so that life can regain control over your illness and get back on track!
- Siel Bleu equipment, for a complete and adapted range: Our own range of adapted equipment designed with the participants and Siel Bleu professionals.
*Stays adapted for people affected by cancer (Maison de la Vie), stroke (Maison de l'AVanC') or Parkinson's disease, but also for young people suffering from a serious oncological disease (Séjours Hors du Temps).
Siel Bleu online, to go further
Because it's important to keep in touch beyond face-to-face classes, various platforms such as GloFox in Ireland or GetphY in Spain, are available for taking part in online adapted physical activity programs.
You will find suggestions for exercises, advice and articles, adapted to each profile, whatever the level.
Being accessible is fundamental for Siel Bleu. This is why these platforms also make it possible to offer Adapted Physical Activity to people who are further away and not always part of a program with local partners.
Joining the Siel Bleu adventure also means to have access to all of these tools and to be able to develop and adapt them according to the needs of your country!
Our impact
At Siel Bleu, we demonstrate the impact of Adapted Physical Activity on the lives of participants through our scientific studies.
So you, (future) project leader, help us to increase the need of action on sedentary lifestyles and to help health policies to make savings in order to move towards a system that is more preventive than curative in Europe or internationally.
The HAPPIER study
With the support of the European Commission, the HAPPIER (Healthy Activity and Physical Program Innovations in Elderly Residences) study analyzed and measured the effects and impact of Adapted Physical Activity on residents in nursing homes.
The OSSEBO study
Conducted with the Inserm, this study aims to analyze the effect of an Adapted Physical Activity program on the prevention of falls with fractures or other serious physical trauma.
The McKinsey study
This study, conducted in 2012 by the McKinsey firm, aims to prove the economic impact on health systems by mainstreaming Siel Bleu's activities.
Our awards and distinctions
Ashoka Fellow since 2006, Siel Bleu accelerates its development with Ashoka (NGO, a network of changemakers, acts in favor of social innovation).
In 2009, GymSana (Siel Bleu in Belgium) wins the award the "Hors-pistes"* (innovative social enterprise) by the King Baudouin Foundation.
In 2010, Siel Bleu receives the prize of Social Entrepreneur of the Year at the international level by the Schwab Foundation of the World Economic Forum.
Irish Healthcare Award - Best patient education and lifestyle project in 2015.
In 2016, the "Siel Bleu at the hospital" project to develop the prescription of physical activity in hospitals wins the "La France s'engage" competition.
In 2018, Siel Bleu is selected by "The French Impact" as one of the 22 Pioneers who can be a game-changer in France!
In 2019, Fundación Siel Bleu (Siel Bleu in Spain) receives the "Making More Health" award from Ashoka and Boehringer Ingelheim.
In 2021, Siel Bleu wins the Fit For Life Foundation award for its innovative and impactful approach to improving the health and fitness of older adults.
The Siel Bleu community - Where to find us?
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