ARC Fitness to host annual Community Health Fair in Derry

ARC Fitness is set to host its annual Health Fair, Health Fest NW, on Wednesday, April 22, from 10am to 2pm at the Millennium Forum in Derry.

The event will bring together over 50 organisations, all of which offer a wide range of wellness related services and support for the local community.

The fair, which is free of charge to attend, will provide attendees with direct access to health, wellbeing, and community resources in one accessible space. Visitors can engage with organisations spanning physical health, mental wellbeing, recovery services, and community support initiatives.

A key feature of the day will be free Health Checks, which will be delivered by the team at ARC Fitness, and available to all attendees with no appointment necessary, encouraging individuals to take a proactive step in understanding and improving their health.

Speaking ahead of the event, Gary Rutherford, ARC’s Founder and Strategic Coordinator, said:“Health Fest NW is all about creating a space where people feel welcome, supported, and empowered to take positive steps for their wellbeing. We’re proud to bring together such a wide range of services under one roof and in doing so we hope to create a meaningful impact on our local community and beyond. 

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Now in its fifth year, Health Fest NW is a great opportunity for people to connect with services, learn more about their health, and become part of a supportive community. Everyone is welcome and we’d love to see you there.” 

Health Fest NW forms part of a wider programme of activity under ARC’s ‘Rewrite The Story’ campaign, which will see a series of public events take place across the city throughout 2026. These include ARC’s popular 3k Colour Dash, the ‘Recovery in Motion’ Conference, the NI Recovery Walk, and a range of pop-up fitness, awareness-raising, and community-focused events over the next 12 months.

The health fair, along with all of ARC’s initiatives, is proudly sponsored by the National Lottery and the Public Health Agency, reinforcing a shared commitment to community wellbeing and accessible health support.

ARC Fitness was founded in 2019 by Gary Rutherford, a registered mental health nurse and qualified personal trainer. As a non-profit organisation, ARC Fitness supports individuals in recovery from addiction by helping them improve their mental and physical wellbeing through physical activity, professional guidance, and reconnection with their community.

If you’re interested in learning more about ARC, the ‘Rewrite The Story’ campaign or would like to partner with ARC’s, visit ARC Fitness.