Purpose: The presence of chronic illness has been consistently associated with depressive symptoms, and both are associated with decreased physical activity. This paper examines how level of depressive symptoms and perceived general health are associated with 12-week attendance at a CBCIR. Methods: Participants with established chronic illnesses referred to Med Ex via GPs and hospitals completed a MedEx questionnaire (Cronbach alpha >0.8 on all instruments) at induction. This instrument assessed perceived general health (1 item), presence of depressive symptoms (8 items), and self-reported days of 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (days.30mins.MVPA; 2 items). Subsequently, attendance (defined as a visit to a MedEx class) was objectively monitored for 12 weeks. Results: 156 participants (M age=66.08+11.09, 54% Male) completed induction. 47% were classified as having no depressive symptoms, 30% had mild symptoms, while 23% had moderate, moderate to severe, or severe symptoms. 18% reported their health to be excellent or very good, 42% good, and 40% fair or poor. Group differences were revealed in terms of perceived wellness and physical activity (days.30mins.MVPA) at baseline, individuals reporting their health as fair/poor were significantly less active than those in the very good/excellent health group (Fair/poor=2.68+2.12, very good/Ex=4.82+2.0, p<0.05). Bivariate correlational analyses found a low but significant negative correlation between depression score and the number of sessions attended (r-0.189, N=156, p<.05). Conclusion: Most attendees at CBCIR programmes, though living with chronic illness, perceived their health as good and had no depressive symptoms. However, those with poor levels of perceived health were less active at entry; and the presence of depressive symptoms was negatively related to attendance. To reduce the likelihood of dropout, CBCIR programmes should design their induction session to cater for individuals who perceive their health as poor and who show depressive symptoms.