Exercise on referral

The service is aimed at adults (18 years +) who require support for:

• primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease
• mental illness
• musculoskeletal conditions
• respiratory conditions
• neurological conditions. 

Yes, you don’t have to be fit to join. People are referred for a wide variety of different medical conditions.

If you're not used to exercise, we will help you to start gently and gradually build up your activity levels.

You have been referred, so your GP or practice nurse thinks the scheme will be beneficial for you.

You will be invited to attend an initial appointment in which you will find out more about the scheme and when you can attend.

By taking the part in the scheme, you are agreeing to attend two more individual appointments, one after 12 weeks and one when you finish the scheme to measure your progress.

Exercise on Referral consists of a rolling programme of 2 physical activity sessions per week delivered over 24 weeks.

The scheme offers group supervised exercise classes, gym sessions and other activities such as racquet sports. We hope you understand that it is not a one-to-one personal training situation and you are expected to tell your instructor if you experience any problems.

If you need one-to-one help, you must bring a carer or enabler with you. The Exercise on Referral team will help you to choose activities that are safe and enjoyable. They will offer you support and encouragement as you work towards achieving your goals. You will be asked to attend twice a week.

All one-to-one appointments are free of charge but there is a charge for the Exercise on Referral sessions which enables us to run the sessions from our qualified team.

There is also the opportunity to take out a fitness membership for our centres, which in addition to attending your regular Exercise on Referral sessions, allows you to use the gym, attend other fitness classes and swim whenever you want at ANY Active Northumberland facility.

To be referred onto the scheme, you must first make an appointment with your GP. If they decide that the scheme may help your medical condition(s), you will be invited to attend an initial appointment at one of our leisure centres.

If you are unable to get to one of our facilities, we may be able to carry out the consultation online or over the phone with a fully qualified member of staff.

For most activities, you will need, light, comfortable clothing - T-shirt and ‘jogging’ pants for example and supportive footwear to prevent strain and injuries.

Trainers are ideal but if you don’t have any then flat, supportive shoes will be enough to get you started.