Exercise Referral Scheme

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Sports Development Team is promoting the important role of physical activity in improving the quality of life for adults.

What is Exercise Referral?

The Exercise Referral Scheme involves local GP's and Health Professionals referring patients for prescriptive exercise, who would gain some benefits by leading a more active lifestyle.

How often?

Current recommendations state that thirty minutes of moderate intensity exercise, on five days of the week, should be performed to benefit your health.

If the thought of doing thirty minutes at once puts you off, then you can break it down into three lots of ten minutes or two lots of fifteen minutes.

Moderate intensity means feeling warm and breathing more deeply than usual, walking at a brisk pace for you are classed as moderate intensity.

Health Benefits

• Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
• Help prevent osteoporosis.
• Lifting your mood through having fun, socialising and meeting new friends.
• Prevent or delay the onset of high blood pressure and control where present.
• Regulate body weight.
• Prevent the onset of type II diabetes and control where present.
• Increase stamina, to make you feel better.
• Improve co-ordination, strength and balance in older people and hence reduce falls and fractures.

How the Scheme Works

• To join the Scheme you must be referred by your doctor or health professional who will complete a referral card.
• Please contact your local surgery to see if they are involved in the GP exercise referral scheme.
• Then contact your nearest participating Leisure Centre to book an assessment
• During the first appointment you will be taken through a medical questionnaire and health assessment.
• After the initial assessment you will be able to join the Exercise Scheme, which runs for 12 weeks or 25 visits. During this time you are able to access the facilities at a reduced rate.

Leisure Centres offering Exercise Referral

Currently we have the following centres used for referrals of patients with specific medical problems:

• Stratford Leisure & Visitors Centre - Tel: 01789 268826
• The Greig Centre - Tel: 01789 400073
• Shipston Centre-Tel:01608 662354
• Southam Centre-Tel:01926 817788

What happens at the end of the course?

Once you have completed the course, you will be re-assessed and helped to choose a regular activity that you will enjoy to continue with the positive health benefits.

For further information please contact the Sports Development Team on 01789 260606 or by email at sports@stratford-dc.gov.uk or by fax on 01789 260607.