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 12 week programmes are designed to help individuals build confidence with movemnet in order to self-manage their condition more effectively. Please note our facilities in Wales deliver the National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) - More information about this scheme can be found below.
Who can be referred?
Most people with long-term health conditions will be accepted onto the Health 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?
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
- Sedentary or inactive, doing less that 30 minutes 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 contact made after your referral form has been received will be a phone call or email to book your welcome appointment. This first appointment is with an Exercise Referral Instructor who will discuss your referral and agree goals whilst designing a physical activity plan to support you over the 12 weeks. A midway assessment will review these goals and a transition (final) assessment at week 12 will allow the participant to feedback on their journey and our team to discuss next steps in terms of continued participation.
Activities vary at each centre but may include:
- Supportive gym use
- Multi condition exercise classes
- Swimming (if appropriate for referral)
Participants will be encouraged to attend at least two sessions per week, there are plenty of social opportunities too!
For further information on your local scheme please complete this enquiry form and one of our team will be in contact very soon.
Wales - National Exercise Referral Scheme
NERS is a Public Health Wales funded programme delivered in Freedom Leisure facilities across Wales. Aimed at those age 16 plus who are inactive and have a medical condition. See links below to find out about sesions in Wales.
Margaret's Story
Margaret attends our Health Referral Scheme in South Somerset. See below what she has to say about the sessions and why she decided to come along.
How did you hear about the Health Referral scheme?
I was referred by my GP, whilst at an appointment at my doctors surgery. I hadn't heard about this scheme before.
What motivated you to attend?
I wanted to find out about the offer and at my introduction session the instructor gave me information about the sessions that I felt would be possible for me to do, I signed up for some gym based activity and aquafit.
What do you think about the sessions?
The aquafit surprised me the most, I have never been confident in the water, so we really unsure on the water-based exercise. However, with easy access into the water, an enthusiastic coach, music and a programme which flows, I soon realised I could do far more exercise than I had done for years. The biggest bonus was it was pain-free exercise, having the water to support me. There is no pressure to ‘keep up’. The sessions are 45 minutes long, but people do as much or as little as they feel able to do on any particular day. The whole experience is non-judgemental which I found very reassuring. In teh calss everyone does what they can.
What impact has this had on your life?
After 9 months I feel physically stronger, I am able to walk further, and the impact on my mental health has been extremely positive. It doesn’t take long to get to know people, and many of the members meet regularly after the classes. It’s an inclusive experience.
What would you say to others considering trying this programme?
I can strongly recommend giving this scheme a go. There’s nothing to lose. There is truly so much to be gained from giving exercise a try. The benefits are very clear to see in everyone who attends.