What is the Exercise Referral Scheme?
The Exercise Referral Scheme has been helping residents of Huntingdonshire become more active and to manage their health condition through supported self-care. You will be assisted throughout the scheme by a named Physical Activity & Exercise Specialist, helping you to enjoy and maintain physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.
There are currently over 300 health professionals (GPs, physiotherapists, nurses, occupational therapists) from 50 agencies (surgeries, hospitals and clinics) registered to refer people to the district's One Leisure facilities.
The scheme is run by Huntingdonshire District Council’s Active Lifestyles Team to help improve the health of the community, promote active healthy lifestyles and help decrease sedentary-related illnesses.
Detailed information on each scheme can be found below:
Exercise Referral Scheme Outline [PDF, 0.2MB]
Self Referral Scheme Outline [PDF, 0.2MB]
How does it work?
There are two entry points to the Exercise Referral Scheme either via a direct referral from a registered health professional or via a self-referral application. Individuals on the scheme will benefit from a personalised 12-week exercise programme with supportive check-in reviews with their instructor.
Registered health professionals will refer individuals with long-term health conditions whereas self-referral focuses on adults with 'low-risk' conditions or those needing additional support to exercise.
Once we have received your referral we will get in touch, initially with a letter, informing you of the options and then with a follow-up phone call to book you in to start the scheme.
There are three options available:
Daytime option:
Unlimited access to the gym from Monday to Friday, 6.30am to 4.30pm and anytime during opening hours at the weekend, plus swimming (subject to timetable).
Health professional referral - £62 one-off fee.
Self-Referral - £75 one-off fee.
Anytime option:
Unlimited access to the Impressions gym during opening hours, plus swimming (subject to timetable).
Health professional referral - £83.50 one-off fee.
Self-Referral - £85 one-off fee
All-in option:
The same as the Anytime option, but also the following:
- access to all four One Leisure Centres
- fitness classes (Self-Referral is only off-peak classes)
- (off-peak) court hire.
Health professional referral - £29.80 per month via direct debit (for 3 months)
Self-Referral - £30 per month via direct debit (for 3 months)
The scheme also includes:
- a named Physical Activity & Exercise Specialist who will meet you on a one-to-one basis on at least four occasions during the 12 weeks
- swimming if appropriate (subject to timetable)
- an individualised activity programme around your needs, which is adjusted at review intervals with your named Physical Activity & Exercise Specialist
- options to continue under a discounted rate following on from the 12-week programme - please speak to your Physical Activity & Exercise Specialist to find out more.
Who is it for?
Exercise Referral – Health professional
Any resident of Huntingdonshire, over 16 years old, who is referred by a health professional because they will benefit from exercise to help in rehabilitation and prevention of certain medical conditions. For example:
- cancer
- heart conditions (including heart failure)
- hypertension
- diabetes (type 1 and 2)
- obesity (BMI over 30)
- respiratory conditions
- mental health
- musculoskeletal
Self-Referral
Any resident of Huntingdonshire, 18 years old or older who will benefit from exercise to help in rehabilitation and prevention of certain medical conditions. For example:
- musculoskeletal
- obesity
- mental health
- pre-diabetic
- hypertension (Up to 140/90)
- general inactivity
How do health professionals get registered?
Only registered health professionals can make referrals. Health professionals may be a GP, practice nurse, physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
To register with the scheme please fill in the form.
Apply
Health Professionals
For health professionals to refer a patient please complete the Exercise Referral Form.
Self-Referral
For self-referral please complete the Self Referral Exercise Form
What happens after Exercise Referral?
After Care Scheme
This is for any current member who has completed the Exercise Referral Scheme and would like to seek extra support from one of our Physical Activity and Exercise Specialists.
Your booking allows you to have a 30 minute review to go through your programme, to make updates and adjustments. You can also use this time to have a new exercise programme created for you or to be shown new exercises in the gym.