Physical activity referral is an exercise programme that your GP or healthcare professional can refer you to. An Active Health membership is for 12 months from initial consultation and a trained exercise professional will devise a programme that is suitable for you to help you become more active. You will receive a one-to-one consultation initially, followed by regular email or telephone contact and reviews at both six and 12 weeks. We will work with you to set goals and monitor progress to help you get the best from your chosen activity. Throughout the programme, activities within our leisure centres will be charged at a concessionary rate. After your 12 week review we will encourage you to exercise independently but you will still benefit from the concessionary pricing structure.
As part of the programme you may take part in a range of activities either at a leisure centre, in the local community, or in an outdoor setting. This could include activities such as gym sessions, swimming, walking groups, or specialist exercise groups and classes. Please see our programme leaflets in the useful information section for more information on specific classes offered under the Active Health GP referral scheme.
At this time we are not taking any new GP referrals.
What are the benefits?
A physical activity referral will benefit you if you currently undertake no or very little physical activity.
weight loss or shape change
improved overall health and wellbeing
improved sleep and reduced stress
improved mood
improved mobility and ability to enjoy life more
increased fitness and energy levels
reduced blood pressure and/or cholesterol levels
improved confidence
reduction in visits to GP
reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer
enable people to manage their diabetes more effectively
prevent osteoporosis and arthritis
manage or reduce risk of coronary artery disease or peripheral vascular disease
improve strength, flexibility and balance
manage depression and anxiety
improve and manage mild to moderate respiratory problems, such as asthma
What's on offer?
Is 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
It can increase fitness levels, reduce cardiac symptoms, improve health and reduce the risk of future heart problems
Please note you will need to be referred to this class. 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)
Once you have been given the completed referral form call the class instructor in your local area
This programme can support and motivate people to make positive lifestyle changes and achieve a long term physical activity habit.
Classes are currently suspended due to COVID-19. Please check back for details.
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
Please note you will need to be referred by your GP, physiotherapist or health professional to attend these classes
Classes are currently suspended due to COVID-19. Please check back for details.
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 please contact email sally.phillips@wiltshire.gov.uk or call 07799074312.
Classes are currently suspended due to COVID-19. Please check back for details.
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)
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. Please note that this is not one-to-one support.
Classes are currently suspended due to COVID-19. Please check back for details.
Case study - Marlborough Leisure Centre
Bernadette is profoundly deaf and has been all her life.
Bernadette's disability has not stopped her from living a full life but recently she had become more sedentary and isolated and she was nervous about how to become more active.
She was referred to the Active Health programme by her GP and met with an Active Health instructor, with a British Sign Language signer, allowing for conversation between Bernadette and the Instructor in regard to what the Active Health programme could offer. The Active Health programme offers circuit classes for those that enjoy group exercise and Bernadette signed up to attend one class per week.
She has enjoyed meeting new people and, after only 12 weeks, has toned up and started to lose weight. Bernadette's confidence has improved and she feels happy to come to the leisure centre on her own as she knows she will receive a warm welcome.
Bernadette's husband is also deaf and has now decided that he would like to start swimming when Bernadette attends her class which will give them a shared interest and help to improve their well-being together.
Testimonials from Active Health clients:
I have noticed my joints are more mobile. The class has motivated me to do more exercise and try to delay or avoid surgery
I am a much fitter and happier person. The staff are amazing and understand my needs.
FAQs and further information
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.
What happens when I finish the active health programme? In most instances, you will be able to continue with the activity that you have been doing during the programme. Once the programme has finished the cost may increase but this will be explained at your re-assessment.
Can I be re-referred onto the Active Health Programme? Generally, we do not accept re-referrals to the scheme unless you have had a change or deterioration in your medical condition and upon the advice and completion of a new referral form by a health professional.
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.
Still have a question? For further guidance you can either check the frequently asked questions below, contact the local Hub coordinator (details below) or Contact us regarding health and physical activity
Contact details
Active Health is managed by our four local area Hub coordinators:
Wiltshire Council