Specialist activity programmes
For some people, getting active can be a challenge and they need some extra support. This is where the Exercise Referral Scheme or Gym Scheme can help.
Exercise Referral Scheme
The Exercise Refferal Scheme is an exciting borough-wide exercise programme which you GP, nurse or a healthcare professional can recommend to you.
Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Community Healthcare works in close partnership with Link4Life to provide the service.
The 12 week programme will give you the opportunity to take part in a whole range of different activities throughout the borough. It is free for the initial 12 weeks which include activities such as swimming, exercise classes, walking groups and gym sessions. You will also receive advice and support on how to improve your general health and wellbeing through physical activity.
Who can refer to the Exercise Referral Scheme?
- From your surgery- GP’s, Practice Nurses, Health Vistors
- From specialist NHS Services- Diabetic nurses, Cardiac rehabilitation team, Neuro Rehabilitation team, Fall Prevention team, Pulmonary Rehabilitation team and Primary and Seconary Mental Health teams.
Who is the Exercise Referral Scheme for?
The Exercise Referral Scheme is intended for people who:
- are over the age of 16
- have a recurring illness or chronic medical condition, such as diabetes, heart condition (heart attack, heart surgery, and angina), high cholesterol, high blood pressure, joint/muscle condition, mental health, pulmonary diseases and epilepsy.
- and are currently not exercising and would benefit from a structured 12 week personal exercise programme.
What is the benefit of participating in the Exercise Referral Scheme?
Physical activity has a key role in improving health and wellbeing. Participating in our exercise programmes can lead to the following benefits:
- Improved circulatory system, including heart and lungs
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Controlled blood pressure
- Controlled cholesterol levels in the blood
- Increased muscular and bone strength
- Improved mobility
- Reduced stress and depression
- Improved confidence
- More energy
- Better control of body weight
- Improve quality of life
How can you access the Exercise Referral Scheme?
If you think you may be eligible to participate in the Exercise Referral Scheme you should discuss this with your GP, Practice Nurse or Specialist Health Professional.
A referral letter will be completed by the medical professional and a single copy will be directly faxed to the Exercise Referral Office. You should then wait until your receive a letter from the Exercise Referral Team to invite you to make an appointment with an Exercise Referral Officer.
What will happen during this appointment?
The Exercise Referral Officer will meet you at your chosen participating leisure centre to discuss your medical/lifestyle history, goals and exercise preferences. Using this information, advice on basic health checks, suitable types of exercise and a 12 week exercise programme will be devised to help you start a more active lifestyle. This appointment will last about an hour and this first appointment NOT include any form of exercise.
Where are the meetings held?
Meetings with the Exercise Referral Officer will take place at the following:
- Central Leisure Centre, Entwisle Road, Rochdale, OL16 2HZ
- Heywood Sports Complex, West Starkey Street, Heywood, OL10 4TW
- Littleborough Sports Centre, Calder brook Road, Littleborough, OL15 9JQ
- Middleton Arena, Corporation Street, Middleton, M24 1AG
Link4Life Facilities
- Central Leisure Centre- 3 swimming pools (including a teaching pool), 2 gym/fitness suites and fitness studio.
- Heywood Sports Complex- swimming pool, gym/fitness suite and fitness studio
- Littleborough Sports Centre- Gym/fitness suite and sports hall for fitness classes
- Middleton Arena- 2 swimming pools, 2 gym/fitness suites and fitness studio
What happens during the 12 week programme?
The Exercise Referral team will ring after 2 weeks to find out how you are finding the activities. After 9 weeks, you will receive a letter to book a 12 week appointment and at that 12 week appointment the Exercise Referral Officer will review your personal exercise programme, health checks and discuss future goals.
What happens at the end of the programme?
At the end of the 12 weeks a 6 month valid Passport to Leisure card is offered which allows a reduced cost for the activities at Link4Life leisure facilities during off peak opening times.
How to contact us
Contact the Exercise Referral Office as follows:
Exercise Referral Team
Specialist Health Promotion
Penn Street
Rochdale
OL16 1HX
Phone: 01706 517624
For more information, speak to your GP or call the Exercise Referral Team on 01706 517624.
Gym Scheme
The Gym Scheme allows people to lose weight by exercising. People on the scheme receive a 12-week course of vouchers to use local leisure services for free. You can take part in any of the classes on offer, swim or use the gym at any time during opening hours.
To find out if you could take part in the Gym Scheme, speak to your doctor, practice nurse or the healthy weight team on 01706 901763.
