Why should i become more active?
What facilities offer this service?
Regular moderate physical activity;
Antrim Forum
028 9446 4131
Ballyearl Recreation Centre
028 9034 0000
The Bridewell, Magherafelt
028 7939 5119
Carrickfergus Amphitheatre
028 9335 8888
Coleraine Leisure Centre
028 7035 6432
Cookstown Leisure Centre
028 86763853
Greenvale Leisure Centre, Magherafelt
028 7963 2796 (effective from early 2012)
Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre, Ballymoney
028 2766 0260
Larne Leisure Centre
028 2826 0478
Maghera Leisure Centre
028 7954 7400
Seven Towers Leisure Centre
028 2564 1427 Ballymena
Sheskburn Recreation Centre, Ballycastle
028 2076 3300
Sixmile Leisure Centre
028 9034 0000
Valley Leisure Centre
028 9034 0000
• Helps improve your health and wellbeing
• Helps reduce stress, anxiety and
depression
• Helps with weight management and
diabetes
• Helps decrease the risk of cardiovascular
disease
• Helps prevent, delay and control high
blood pressure
• Can play a role in preventing and treating
non-specific low back pain
• Can reduce the risk of colon cancer and
other forms of cancer
for further information please contact
your local service provider or the physical
activity coordinator
Health Improvement & Community
Development Service, NHSCT
Spruce House
Braid Valley Site
Cushendall Road
Ballymena BT43 6HL
Tel: 028 2563 5575
Fax: 028 2563 5377
Email: [email protected]
Health Matters
physical activity referral scheme
Working for a healthier tomorrow, today!
What is the physical activity
referral scheme?
What happens at the first
appointment?
This scheme offers specialised exercise
activities and advice to people diagnosed
with a variety of medical conditions, such
as cardiac disease, diabetes, obesity, and
mental health conditions.
At your first appointment you will:
• receive a tour of the facility;
• discuss the programme in detail and
your reason for referral;
• complete your health assessment;
• book your weekly session.
The 12-week programmes of activity
are delivered by registered exercise
professionals, who are qualified to advise
those with medical conditions on how to get
active and stay active.
How much will it cost?
Costs may vary from council to council,
so you need to check with your scheme
provider (see overleaf).
Physical activity referral comprises:
• a referral by a GP or Practice Nurse if you
meet the criteria;
• an initial health assessment, interview and
induction;
• 12 weeks of scheduled, supervised and
unsupervised sessions, based at your local
leisure centre or fitness suite;
• a further two health assessments that are
conducted at 6 and 12 weeks.
Programmes are prescribed according
to ability, and include specially designed
exercise sessions, fitness suite usage and
other activities such as walking.
After the 12-week programme is complete
continuation classes may be available to
encourage adherence to the exercise routine.
Some facilities may also offer a further
discounted period.
What does the health assessment
involve?
How to get referred?
If you wish to participate in the scheme,
you need to consult your GP or Practice
Nurse, who will then decide if you meet the
inclusion criteria. At this point a referral form
can be completed and sent to your nearest
scheme provider, probably your local leisure
centre. You will then be contacted within
two weeks to arrange an appointment.
The health assessment will be fully
explained by your instructor. This includes
a range of simple measurements including:
blood pressure, height, weight, body mass
index, waist circumference and if suitable
an aerobic assessment. The measurements
will help to monitor your progress and aid
in establishing goals.
What activities will be offered?
Each facility offers a range of different
activities, generally including use of the
fitness suite. Other activities may be
on offer, such as walking, group-based
sessions and swimming. You may also be
given advice on home-based activities.