Exercise Referral Scheme

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.

The scheme is run by Huntingdonshire District Council’s Active Lifestyle's team to help improve the health of the community, promote active healthy lifestyles and help decrease sedentary-related illnesses.

One Leisure Huntingdon

One Leisure Ramsey

One Leisure Sawtry

One Leisure St Ives

One Leisure St Neots

How does it work?

There are two entry points to the Exercise Referral Scheme. Individuals can be directly referred by a registered Health Professional or complete 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. Once we have received your referral we will be 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.

Watch our Exercise Referral Scheme pathways video.

Direct Health Professional Referral

Registered Health Professionals will refer individuals with long-term health conditions including cancer, heart conditions (including heart failure), hypertension, diabetes (type 1 and 2), obesity (BMI over 30), respiratory conditions, mental health, musculoskeletal issues and more.

Only registered Health Professionals can make direct referrals onto the Exercise Referral Scheme. Health professionals referrals may be from GP's, Practice Nurses, Physiotherapists or Occupational Therapist.

To register as a Health Professional to refer patients please complete the form.

To refer a patient please complete the form.

More information can be found in the Exercise Referral Scheme Guidance.

Self-Referral

The Self-Referral entry point focuses on adults with 'low-risk' health conditions or those needing additional support to exercise. These include general inactivity, musculoskeletal issues, obesity, mental health, pre-diabetics, hypertension (up to 140/90) and more.

Applications will be screened by the team and if conditions appear unsafe a direct referral from a registered Health Professional will be required.

To apply please complete the application form.

More information can be found in the Self-Referral Guidance.

Watch our Self-Referral Scheme video to learn more.

Pricing

There are three options available to undertake the Exercise Referral Scheme.

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).

Direct Health Professional Referral	£63 one-off fee.
Self-Referral	£77.50 one-off fee.

Anytime option:

Unlimited access to the gym during opening hours, plus swimming (subject to timetable).

Direct Health Professional Referral	£85 one-off fee.
Self-Referral	£90 one-off fee.

All-in option:

Unlimited access to the gym, swimming (subject to timetable) and off-peak court hire. Group-Exercise classes included (Self-Referral is off-peak class times only).

Direct Health Professional Referral	£30 monthly direct debit (for 3-months).
Self-Referral	£33.50 monthly direct debit (for 3-months).

Please note there is no cost to refer patients onto the Exercise Referral Scheme for Health Professionals.

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 for a £10 fee per appointment.

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.

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Testimonials

Following a cardiac episode, I was nervous about getting back into exercise. My specialist instructor understood my situation and created a programme that helped me rebuild my cardiovascular endurance gradually. The team was supportive and knowledgeable and I never felt like I was doing it alone. Completing the 12-week programme has given me the confidence to keep exercising and look after my long-term health.

After being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, I knew I needed to make changes but wasn't sure where to start. The Exercise Referral Scheme helped me build healthy habits without feeling overwhelmed. The programme was tailored to my ability and the regular reviews kept me on track. I've gained energy, improved my fitness and now feel in control of my health.

My GP suggested the scheme after I was struggling with my mental health and it was one of the best decisions I've made. The support was friendly, encouraging and completely judgement-free. Having a personalised plan and someone to guide me every step of the way made all the difference. Exercise has become part of my routine and I feel happier, healthier and more positive than I have in a long time.