Exercise Referral Scheme
Over the last two years, the Exercise Referral Scheme has supported over 7,700 individuals with the aim to increase their physical activity levels, improve physical and mental wellbeing and have better management of their medical condition.
As adults, we should be aiming to be active for 2 ½ hours every week, however living with a medical condition can often make this harder. The Exercise Referral scheme supports individuals to slowly build up their movement, have better management of their condition and encourages simple healthier lifestyle choices.
Benefits of physical activity:
- Have better physical health
- Feel happier
- Have more energy
- Feel relaxed and less stressed
- Make new friendships
- Create active memories with family and friends
"The staff and other participants are really friendly and I really look forward to going each week. The muscles in my legs are stronger, I'm walking better and I've lost weight!"
"The exercise class has been a great way to make friends and workout at the same time. I've built a lot more self confidence since joining the scheme and have become more active in day to day life".
Who can take part?
The scheme offers individuals aged 16+ who are currently inactive (doing less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week) and living with a medium or high risk medical condition to 12 sessions of community or leisure centre-based activity at discounted rates.
Each patient is provided with a specific programme tailored to their condition and is supervised by a minimum of a Level 3 Exercise Referral qualified instructor (medium risk patients) or a Level 4 condition specific instructor (high risk patients).
Eligible medical conditions:
- Overweight/Obesity – BMI 30+
- Hypertension – 140-179/90-110
- High Cholesterol – Readings 6.5mmol/1
- Depression, Stress and/or Anxiety – mild to moderate
- Type I/II Diabetes
- Neurological conditions
- Respiratory e.g. Asthma
- Rheumatoid Arthritis/Osteoarthritis
- Back Pain
- Cardiovascular
- Falls Prevention
- COPD
- Stroke
- Cancer
Please note not all districts will offer provision for all medical conditions listed but where possible will signpost to appropriate activity for the individual's needs.
How can I be referred?
If you are interested in the Exercise Referral Scheme or feel you would benefit from the scheme, please contact your local GP or other healthcare professional to be referred to your local coordinator.
For general information on the offer in your local district please contact your relevant Scheme Co-ordinator:
Local Scheme Co-ordinators
Blaby
Hannah Powell
- Telephone
- 0116 2727694
- Hannah.Powell@blaby.gov.uk
- Website
- http://www.sportblaby.org.uk/
Charnwood
Tina Coles
- Telephone
- 01509 611080 / 07730801967
- gp-referral-charnwood@fusion-lifestyle.com
- Website
- http://www.charnwoodsport.org.uk/
Harborough
Danny Hallam
- Telephone
- 01858 821286 / 07879828187
- D.Hallam@harborough.gov.uk
- Website
- http://www.harboroughsport.org.uk/
Hinckley & Bosworth
Graeme Chilvers
- Telephone
- 01455 255678 / 07966202085
- Graham.Chilvers@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk
- Website
- http://www.hbsha.org.uk/
Leicester City
Active Lifestyles Scheme
Melton
Marc Hector
- Telephone
- 07896 856 258
- mhector@melton.gov.uk
- Website
- http://www.meltonsportandhealth.org.uk/
North West Leicestershire
Melanie Hall
- Telephone
- 01530 454606/ 01530 811215
- Melanie.Hall@NWLeicestershire.gov.uk
- Website
- http://www.northwestleicslsa.org.uk/
Oadby & Wigston
Elena Plowright
- Telephone
- 0116 272 0789 / 07738982152
- elenaplowright@everyoneactive.com
- Website
- http://www.activeoadbywigston.org.uk/
Rutland
Exercise Referral Coordinator
Anneka Sherratt
- Address
- Catmose Sports Centre, Huntsman’s Drive, Oakham, LE15 6RP
- Telephone
- 01572 758200
- ActiveRutlandHealth@rutland.gov.uk
- Website
- http://www.activerutland.org.uk/
For more information please contact:
Melissa Maiden
Sports Development Officer
Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport
- Exercise Referral (Leicestershire Central Coordination)
- Physical Activity Campaigns
- Telephone
- 01509 564879
- m.maiden@LRSport.org