What is the Exercise Referral Scheme?
The Exercise Referral Scheme has been helping residents of Huntingdonshire become more active and to manage their health condition through supported self-care. You will be assisted throughout the scheme by a named Physical Activity Specialist, helping you to enjoy and maintain physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.
There are currently over 300 health professionals (GPs, physiotherapists, nurses, occupational therapists) from 50 agencies (surgeries, hospitals and clinics) registered to refer people to the district's One Leisure facilities.
The scheme is run by Huntingdonshire District Council’s Active Lifestyles Team to help improve the health of the community, promote active healthy lifestyles and help decrease sedentary-related illnesses.
Detailed information can be found in the Exercise Referral Scheme Outline [PDF, 0.2MB].
How does it work?
Registered health professionals can refer people who will benefit from a personalised 12 week exercise programme. Once we have received your referral we will get in touch, initially with a letter, informing you of the options and then with a follow-up phone call to book you in to start the scheme.
There are three options available:
Daytime option:
Unlimited access to the Impressions gym from Monday to Friday, 6.30am to 4.30pm and anytime during opening hours at the weekend, plus swimming (subject to timetable).
Anytime option:
Unlimited access to the Impressions gym during opening hours, plus swimming (subject to timetable).
All-in option:
The same as the Anytime option, but also the following
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access to all four One Leisure Centres
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fitness classes
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(off-peak) court hire.
The scheme also includes:
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a named Physical Activity Specialist who will meet you on a one-to-one basis on at least four occasions during the 12 weeks
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swimming if appropriate (subject to timetable)
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an individualised activity programme around your needs, which is adjusted at review intervals with your named Physical Activity Specialist
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options to continue under a discounted rate following on from the 12 week programme - please speak to your Physical Activity Specialist to find out more.
Who is it for?
Any resident of Huntingdonshire, over 16 years old, who is referred by a health professional because they will benefit from exercise to help in rehabilitation and prevention of certain medical conditions. For example:
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cancer
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heart conditions (including heart failure)
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hypertension
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diabetes (type 1 and 2)
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obesity (BMI over 30)
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respiratory conditions
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mental health
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musculoskeletal
How much does it cost?
Daytime option
£60 one-off fee
Anytime option
£81 one-off fee
All-in Option
£29 per month via direct debit
Please note there is no cost to health professionals to refer.
How do health professionals get registered?
Only registered health professionals can make referrals. Health professionals may be a GP, practice nurse, physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
To register with the scheme please fill in the form.
Apply
To refer a patient please fill in the exercise referral form.