Exercise Referral Scheme
The national ‘Exercise Referral Scheme’ is helping to make
physical activity a new way of life for people who suffer from
health problems in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Since the Welsh Government funded initiative began in the Vale
in January 2008, residents with certain medical conditions can
be referred by their doctors to improve their lifestyles by
taking part in activities run by the Vale Council’s exercise
referral team.
Anyone aged over 16 can be referred by their GP, and cases that
may lead to referral include high blood pressure or cholesterol,
physical inactivity, risk of heart disease, obesity,
osteoperosis, diabetes, mental health issues and weight
management issues.
The Vale’s exercise referral professionals then provide a
range
of fun activities to help participants become active over an
initial 16-week period and they are able to use the Vale’s
leisure centres at a discounted rate.
Targets are set, their
progress is monitored, and at the end of the 16 weeks, the
professionals discuss how the participants can continue to achieve
their exercise goals by making exercise a key part of their day to
day lives.
To find out more about the scheme, see your GP or contact
the Vale's Exercise Referral team by calling 01446 403000
and selecting your centre on the system or by
emailing ExerciseReferral@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk.