GP referral

Cardiac phase IV classes are:

• an exercise and education programme for people recovering from heart attacks, heart surgery and cardiac interventions 
• classes are led by highly qualified and knowledgeable cardiac rehabilitation instructors
• helpful to increase fitness levels, reduce cardiac symptoms, improve health and reduce the risk of future heart problems
• only available on referral from your GP - there is a specific Phase IV Cardiac Rehab referral form that your GP or Phase III Cardiac Team has to complete prior to you attending the class (the BACPR Cardiac Rehab referral form)¹
• designed to support and motivate people to make positive lifestyle changes and achieve a long term physical activity habit

¹Once you have been given the completed referral form call the class instructor in your local area.

• group based stroke rehabilitation classes take an active approach to improving your movement and independence
• the classes are taken by instructors who have specialist knowledge, to give stroke survivors the opportunity to exercise in a safe and enjoyable environment
• the activities can be adapted to suit your specific needs 
• the first session will be an introductory session where your instructor will assess your suitability to attend the exercise after stroke programme
• you will need to be referred by your GP, physiotherapist or health professional to attend these classes

• designed to help those who have had a fall or who are afraid of falling
• it is a mixture of chair-based and standing exercises to improve strength, balance and increase confidence
• this class will safely and effectively improve your physical function and postural stability to reduce the risk of a fall
• you can Self Refer to these classes. There is a specific Strength and Balance referral form that you can complete yourself, however, you can also be referred by either your GP or Healthcare Professional.

For further information on any of the below classes email activehealthfallspreventionservice@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) or call 07799074312.

A low level circuit training class designed to get people active again in a fun social group setting. Exercises can be adapted for the individual, and we have people attending this class for a wide range of health conditions including:

• back pain (including patients referred from the Activate your Back physiotherapy programme)
• musculoskeletal conditions including
• hip and knee replacements
• respiratory disease (including patients referred from the PACE pulmonary rehabilitation programme)
• mild depression
• anxiety or stress
• obesity
• diabetes
• recovery from cancer
• fibromyalgia
• polymyalgia rheumatica
• arthritis
• hypertension
• angina
• peripheral vascular disease
• TIA/ mini stroke and much more

A gentle exercise class in the swimming pool, encouraging a low impact form of exercise, using the water as resistance. Like the circuits class, it can be accessible to referred participants with a variety of health conditions.

An allocated slot in the gym, not exclusive to Active Health participants, that allows Active Health participants to be monitored during their gym visit and get help or assistance from a qualified Active Health instructor. This is not one-to-one support.

Active Health memberships are available on a monthly direct debit basis as follows: 

All other activities at standard leisure card prices.

Memberships can only be taken out after a referral has been made by your GP / medical practitioner, and you've attended an initial consultation with one of our Active Health instructors. Once a referral has been received by our Active Health team, we will contact you to arrange this initial meeting. 

NHS: 5 steps to mental wellbeing (opens new window)

AWP: Wiltshire Talking Therapies (opens new window)

Physical activity

Walking, running and cycling

Healthy weight 4 life

Diabetes UK (opens new window)

Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS): Exercise for Osteoporosis (opens new window)

Macmillan cancer support (opens new window)

British Heart Foundation (opens new window)

Stroke Association (opens new window)

British Thoracic Society (opens new window)

Wiltshire Health Improvement Hub

Age UK website (opens new window)

Smokefree Wiltshire

Can my partner accompany me on these sessions for support?

Yes, they can accompany you to the venue but will not be able to take part in the session

Is it going to hurt?

Sometimes, if you haven't been very active for a while you may experience a little stiffness, but this is normal.

Will I get hot and sweaty?

You may get a little warm but we encourage you to take a small towel and some water with you to drink while taking part in your activity.

Am I too old?

We are able to adapt and tailor the exercises that you will be given.

Will I be pushed hard?

Programmes are individually tailored to your needs.

Do I need to be able to attend every week?

Ideally yes but we realise that sometimes holidays, hospital appointments may occur at these times and that this may affect your attendance.

Do I need to wear special clothing?

No as long as you wear comfortable clothes and appropriate footwear.

How do I know that I am getting the best and most appropriate advice?

All Active Health referral staff who work on the programme are qualified in instructing and working with clients with a variety of medical conditions. These staff attend regular workshops and courses to update their knowledge and skills.