What is this scheme?
Freedom Leisure, in partnership with Southend-on-Sea City Council and local NHS partners, offers a GP Exercise Referral Programme at our leisure centres in Southend.
If you’re living with a long-term health condition or have been advised by a health professional to become more active, we’re here to help you get started safely and confidently.
Available at:
- Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre
- Shoeburyness Leisure Centre
- Belfair’s Swim Centre
What is the GP Exercise Referral Programme?
Our programme is a 12-week supported activity pathway designed for adults who would benefit from being more active for their health, but who may need a little extra support to get going.
You’ll receive:
- A personalised activity plan based on your health, goals and preferences
- Safe, supervised sessions in our gyms, pools and classes
- Ongoing motivation and support from our qualified Exercise Referral team
- Access to friendly, welcoming centres where everyone is encouraged to go at their own pace
Who is it for?
You may be suitable for the programme if you:
- Have a long-term condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, mild–moderate depression or anxiety, arthritis or respiratory/cardiac conditions
- Are recovering from illness or injury and have been advised to become more active
- Feel nervous about using a leisure centre on your own and would like structured support
- Are over 16 and registered with a Southend-on-Sea GP or eligible referring health professional
If you’re unsure whether the programme is right for you, speak to your GP, Practice Nurse or Health Professional.
How to get started
The first step is to speak to your GP or health professional or self-refer into the programme using the referral form link below. Download the referral form and refer yourself. We do accept self-referrals, BUT you must pass the following questions otherwise you will need a professional referral to start:
- Are you currently under investigation for any new health issues?
- Have you been diagnosed with any new health issues in the last 12 weeks?
- Have you started any new medications in the last 12 weeks?
- Does any medication you take give you any side effects?
- Do you have any heart, lung condition or any mobility issues that would need to be continuously monitored?
- Do you know of any other reason you should not partake in physical activity?
If you answer 'yes' to any of the above questions, you will need a professional GP referral. If you have any further questions about getting referred or if you need a Professional GP referral we will help guide you to acquiring one so you can start with one of our fully trained instructors. Please email [email protected].
FOR GP USE ONLY
PLEASE USE THE FORM BELOW TO REFER A PATIENT TO US. PLEASE EMAIL [email protected] WITH YOUR COMPLETED FORM.