Physical activity has a positive impact on a person’s health both physically and mentally and can support recovery and maintenance for those living with long term health conditions. Our Exercise Referral scheme is the perfect way for people with long-term health conditions to move more to improve their health and wellbeing.
If physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent and help treat.
Chief Medical Officer, 2019
Our scheme provides opportunities for people with or at risk of long term health conditions, to become more active in a safe and welcoming environment and raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity, helping to create long-term behaviour change.
Our 12 week programmes are designed to help individuals build confidence in order to self-manage their condition more effectively.
Who can be referred?
Most people with long-term health conditions will be accepted onto the Exercise Referral Scheme. These include asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, as well as depression, anxiety, osteoporosis and plenty of other conditions, including rehabilitation from Covid-19.
How can I join the scheme?
Most people with long-term health conditions can be referred onto the GP Exercise Referral Scheme. These include asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, as well as depression, anxiety, osteoporosis and plenty of other conditions.
Simply speak to your GP, nurse, physio or other health care practitioner. If you are eligible, you will be referred to us.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be 18 years of age and over
- Doing less that 30mins of physical activity per week
- Have or be at risk of, one or more controlled long-term condition that requires high levels of support and encouragement to engage in physical activity
What does the scheme involve?
The 12-week programme includes three 1-2-1 sessions with a qualified Exercise Referral Instructor.
The first appointment involves a pre-exercise assessment by an Exercise Referral Instructor, to agree goals and an action plan for support exercise over the next 12 weeks. A midway assessment will review these goals and an end assessment at week 12 will allow the participant to feedback on their journey and our Team to discuss next steps in terms of membership options.
Activities vary at each centre but may include:
- Support Gym Sessions
- Seated Exercise Classes
- Multi condition exercise classes
- Swimming (if appropriate for referral)
Participants will be encouraged to attend at least two sessions per week, and social sessions to meet people as well!
For further information on your local scheme please complete this enquiry form and one of our Team will be in contact very soon: