
Exercise Referral Scheme
The Scheme aims to increase physical activity levels, improve physical and mental wellbeing and improve the management of medical conditions.
Adults and older adults are advised to aim towards being active for 150 minutes a 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.
Our Make your Move flyers below provides practical steps and ideas to support you to move more.
Make Your Move Activity Flyer Adults (PDF, 153 Kb)
Make Your Move Activity Flyer Adults with a Disability (PDF, 165 Kb)
Make Your Move Activity Flyer Older Adults (PDF, 152 Kb)
Who can be referred?
Exercise Referral is suitable for anyone aged 16 years and over who are currently inactive and living with a health condition who would like support in becoming more physically active.
How can I be referred?
If you feel that you would benefit from the scheme, speak to your GP/Practice Nurse/Health professional about being referred. Your GP or practice nurse will complete a referral form which will be sent to your local coordinator who will get in touch with you.
What activities can I do?
There are a wide range of activities both gym and class based, as well as aquatic, walking, running, and cycling opportunities to choose from. All the activities you take part in will be tailored to your needs and goals.
Are there more targeted referral programmes i can join?
The Exercise Referral programme is a 12 week intervention for inactive adults with stable chronic health conditions such as Diabetes, Arthritis or Obesity. More targeted physical activity referral programmes are available throughout Leicestershire for people with more complex needs. These include:
Cardio-pulmonary Rehab Phase 4 Programme
A 16 week intervention for adults recovering from an acute cardiac/ pulmonary event or surgery, or living with a moderate-severe cardiac/ pulmonary condition.
Steady Steps Programme
A 24 week intervention aimed at developing strength, fitness, balance, coordination and skills that will reduce the risk and impact of falls in older adults. More information can be found at Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport - Steady Steps (lrsport.org)
Cancer Prehab Programme
A 6 week intervention aimed at developing strength, fitness and resilience to improve the outcome of upcoming cancer treatment.
Back Pain Programme
A 10 week intervention involving elements of relaxation, stretching, fitness and strength exercises to manage the impact of low back pain.
Please note that not all interventions are available in all areas. More details can be found below. A referral does not guarantee a space on any programme, the decision will be made between the coordinator and patient as to whether they are suitable.
Please also note many programmes may not be offering face to face delivery due to COVID 19 tier restrictions. Many areas are offering alternative support via telephone or other virtual communication tools such as Zoom. Please contact your local coordinator for more information.
Local Scheme Co-ordinators

Blaby
Hannah Powell
Available programmes: Exercise Referral, Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab, Steady Steps
- Telephone
- 0116 272 7523
- Hannah.Powell@blaby.gov.uk
- Website
- http://www.blaby.gov.uk/leisure-health-and-community/sport-and-leisure/activity-referral/

Charnwood
Tina Coles
Available programmes: All referral services currently paused
- Telephone
- 01509 611080
- Mobile
- 07730801967
- gp-referral-charnwood@fusion-lifestyle.com
- Website
- https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/exercisereferral

Harborough
Danny Hallam
Available programmes: Exercise Referral, Cardio-Pulmonary, Cancer Prehab, Steady Steps
- Telephone
- 01858 821286
- Mobile
- 07879828187
- D.Hallam@harborough.gov.uk
- Website
- http://www.harboroughsport.org.uk/

Hinckley & Bosworth
Liz Causon
Available programmes: All referral services currently paused
- Telephone
- 01455 255870
- Liz.Causon@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk
- Website
- https://www.activehb.org.uk/gp-exercise-referral-scheme

Leicester City - Healthy Lifestyle Service
Carla Broadbent
Available programmes: Exercise Referral, Cardiac Rehab, Pulmonary Rehab, Steady Steps
- Telephone
- 0116 454 4000
- Carla.Broadbent@leicester.gov.uk
- Website
- http://livewell.leicester.gov.uk/

Melton
Sam Davies
Available programmes: All referral services currently paused
- Telephone
- 01664 502416
- Mobile
- 07896 856 258
- sdavies@melton.gov.uk
- Website
- http://www.meltonsportandhealth.org.uk/

North West Leicestershire
Christopher Mawbey (Community) / Tom Bodle (Leisure Centres)
Available programmes: Exercise Referral, Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab, Steady Steps
- Telephone
- 01530 454785/ 01530 811215
- christopher.mawbey@nwleicestershire.gov.uk / TomBodle@everyoneactive.com
- Website
- https://www.nwleics.gov.uk/pages/exercise_referral

Oadby & Wigston
Linda Savage
Available programmes: Exercise Referral, Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab
- Mobile
- 07939 367 979
- Linda.Savage@oadby-wigston.gov.uk
- Website
- http://www.activeoadbywigston.org.uk/

Rutland
Anneka Sherratt
Available programmes: Exercise Referral, Cardio-Pulmonary, Steady Steps, Lower Back Pilates
- Telephone
- 01572 490030 (option 3)
- Anneka.sherratt@sll.co.uk
- Website
- http://www.activerutland.org.uk/
For more information please contact:

Andrew Harris
Sports Development Officer
Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport
I am currently remote working, so please contact me via email/mobile phone (where provided).
- Exercise Referral (Leicestershire Central Coordination)
- Physical Activity Campaigns
- Telephone
- 01509 564879
- Mobile
- 07793401506
- a.harris@lrsport.org