Recruitment drive for Exercise Referral Scheme
A campaign is under way to make more people aware of an exercise scheme designed to help improve the all round fitness of people with a variety of medical conditions.
The Exercise Referral Scheme, run by Great Yarmouth and Waveney PCT, is specially designed for people with a medical condition who would benefit from moderate levels of physical activity. In the ten years which it has been running, over 2,000 people between the ages of 16 and 86 have taken part and benefited from the scheme.
Mark Nussey, exercise referral coordinator for Waveney, said the scheme benefits a wide range of people, including those with bone and joint problems, heart conditions, depression, arthritis, back pain or weight problems.
“With the right kind of exercise, done at the correct intensity, almost every body can benefit and most of those who take part are amazed at the results,” said Mr Nussey. “The more unfit you are, the more exercise referral staff help you as it’s often the small changes that can make the biggest difference to your life.
“The staff on the scheme have a great understanding of people’s lifestyles and how difficult it can be to make the first step to fitness. The instructors have considerable experience to know how best to support anyone taking part and will be sympathetic to their needs helping them to become a healthier, happier person.”
To take part, patients have to be referred onto the scheme. Anyone interested in taking part should speak to their GP, practice nurse, dietitian, physiotherapist or occupational therapist and ask if a lifestyle change may help stop them having to rely on medication for their condition.
“The type of exercise we prescribed is about moderate activities such as gentle cycling and walking, “added Mr Nussey. “Our staff are all highly qualified, and know how to help you get on the move again. This is a really excellent scheme and there is a mass of evidence that shows it really does work.”
The Exercise Referral Scheme started six years ago in Lowestoft and now involves seven centres throughout the area, with facilities in Lowestoft, Beccles and Southwold. In addition to local gyms, patients can also be referred to community-based exercise classes such as tai chi, Pilates, chair-based classes and general fitness classes. These are delivered by self-employed exercise professionals under the banner of the Exercise Referral Scheme.
People who are referred on to the scheme have the chance to sit down and discuss their wishes with their instructor. The instructor will then design an exercise programme tailored to the person’s individual needs.
Those taking part will need to attend a series of sessions and are also encouraged to exercise between sessions and maintain their levels of activity after finishing the programme.
Les Chapman is one of the Exercise Referral Scheme’s success stories. Case study
One of the Exercise Referral Scheme’s success stories is Les Chapman, who has recently completed a twelve-week physical activity course as part of the Great Yarmouth and Waveney scheme.
Mr Chapman, who is 71, was referred to Spirit Fitness Gym at Lowestoft’s Water Lane leisure centre after suffering lower back pain. His instructor developed a personal exercise programme for him, made up of some resistance training alongside light cardiovascular exercise, such as cycling, rowing and walking.
Now Mr Chapman, who in the past occasionally had to walk with a stick, is feeling more mobile than ever after visiting the gym three times a week for the last eight months.
“The scheme is excellent and I have noticed a huge difference in my all round fitness,” he said. “I wanted to be more mobile and be more like other people, and this has given me much more freedom.
“A few years ago I was told I’d be in a wheelchair by now, but instead I go to the gym three times a week and to bowls twice a week. It has changed my lifestyle completely.”
Mr Chapman has vowed to continue his exercise regime and has become a member of Sprit Fitness Gym to help him maintain his fitness.
For further information: Contact Mark Nussey on 01502 719500.
