Simply Connect Exercise Referral Scheme General Information

Please read all of the following before registering with any of the listed services for their Exercise Referral Scheme:

  • The exercise referral schemes are for inactive people (i.e. less than 30mins of structured exercise or activity per day) and those not used to structural physical activity.
  • You must be committed to making a long-term lifestyle change and be ready to start a programme of physical activity.
  • Please note the schemes are not free. The cost will vary depending on the activity and exercise provider you choose.
  • You are entitled to only one referral. It is not appropriate to be continuously referred for the same condition.
  • When you contact the Exercise Referral provider, they will book an induction/assessment to discuss the next step and options available with you. This assessment could identify that you do not meet the eligibility for the scheme and the local provider has the right to decline your engagement on the scheme. You will be required to consent to the scheme at this point.
  • Activities vary depending on the exercise provider you go to and there are many options available so please call the provider if you are unsure about what you would like to do or where you might like to go.

Please review the below options for the Exercise Referral Scheme and choose the one that is most suitable for you. Once you have decided, please follow the below instructions to obtain your referral letter.

  • Please note the referral form for each service is different, once you have decided on the provider you would like to use, please contact the secretaries at your registered site to ensure the referral form you are given is the correct one for the chosen service.
  • Please ensure that you know the name of, or are able to read the full name of the health professional referring you on the referral form, when you receive it.
  • Your referral is valid for 1 month from when it is signed by the health professional (unless there are significant changes in your health status; in this instance a new form is required) and it is your responsibility to inform the exercise professional of any changes to your health status.
  • Once a referral form has been completed for you (the secretaries at your registered site will let you know when it is ready for collection), please take the referral form and a list of any medications you are taking with you to your first appointment. The exercise professional will not carry out an appointment without the signed referral form.

Regarding confidentiality:

The Exercise Referral provider will be responsible for the holding and processing of your data in line with data protection regulations and confidentiality is assured. If you have any questions or concerns about your confidential information, please contact the service directly to discuss this.

Exercise Referral, Active Life

Including Whitstable Swimming Pool, Heron Leisure Centre, Herne Bay and Kingsmead Leisure Centre, Canterbury

Who Is It For?

“The Active Life exercise referral scheme is open to anyone aged 50 years and over and who presents with a medical condition that could benefit from regular exercise. Anyone under the age of 50 can be referred if they present with any of the following high risk conditions: coronary heart disease, diabetes, morbid obesity, stroke/TIA, high blood pressure, COPD/severe respiratory condition etc.”

What Does It Cost?

(prices correct as at 17/07/2024)

The ‘Pay as you Go’ option costs £8.80 per class but there are reductions available for over 65s or patients on low income. You can also get a reduced price membership for the scheme at £35/month.

Contact Details

A note from Active Life: “Each participant will be thoroughly screened prior to exercise – this can be done via the phone or in person. Activities range from cardiac rehab, supervised gym, a variety of studio based classes and pool based classes – all suitable for total beginners. Progression is encouraged and support offered throughout the member’s journey with us.”

Please ensure you read and understand the above Simply Connect Exercise Referral Scheme General Information before agreeing to take part in the Active Life Exercise Referral scheme.

The Exercise Referral Scheme, Kent Sport, The University of Kent, Canterbury

Who Is It For?

The Exercise Referral Scheme is intended for people who:

  • Are over 19
  • Have a recurring illness or chronic medical condition, such as diabetes, heart conditions (heart attack, heart surgery, and angina), high cholesterol, high blood pressure, joint or muscle conditions, mental health problems, pulmonary diseases and epilepsy
  • Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 25
  • Are not exercising and would benefit from a structured 12-week personal exercise programme
  • Wishing to return to exercise after an injury or illness

What Does It Cost?

(prices correct as at 17/07/2024)

The total cost is £60 for the whole scheme if you are a non-member, cheaper if you have membership with them. Please contact them for further information

Contact Details:

A note from Kent Sport: “We have some of the highest-quality fitness equipment in the county, which is available to all members including students, staff, alumni and the public. In addition to the facilities, there is the Kent Sports Clinic which includes physiotherapy, sports therapy, massage and access to a range of rehabilitation equipment.”

Are There Any Exclusions?

Yes, the following are excluded from this exercise referral scheme (please discuss with your GP if you have any of these):

  • Aortic stenosis
  • Unstable angina or unstable/acute heart failure
  • Uncontrolled arrhythmias
  • Resting tachycardia of over 100bpm
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Unstable mental health status

High blood pressure of over 180/X and or X/100

Please ensure you read and understand the above Simply Connect Exercise Referral Scheme General Information before agreeing to take part in the Kent Sport Exercise.

Referral scheme Christ Church Sport & Active Health, Canterbury - Who Is It For?

“If you are suffering with a pre-existing health condition, or recovering from an illness or operation,
you could be eligible for our Exercise Referral Scheme.”

The Exercise Referral Scheme is intended for people who:

  • Are over 18
  • Are inactive (less than 30 minutes of moderate physically activity per week)
  • Are committed to making a long-term lifestyle change
  • Clients must be clinically stable and compliant with their medication

What Does It Cost?

(prices correct as at 17/07/2024)

There is an initial one off fee of £30 for the health assessment and one-to-one support for the 12 week course plus a reduced membership fee of £21 a month all inclusive. You can then stay on that membership rate after the initial 12 weeks.

Contact Details

  • Organisation: Christ Church Sport & Active Health
  • Contact name: Active Health Team
  • Address: Sports Centre, Pilgrims Way, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 1XS, United Kingdom
  • Tel Number: 01227 923500
  • Email Address: activehealth@canterbury.ac.uk
  • Simply Connect Exercise Referral Website link for more information
  • Christ Church University Active Health Website link for more information

A note from Active Health: “Our Exercise Referral Scheme can help improve your overall health, increase your fitness levels, and support long-term lifestyle changes with the guidance of a highly qualified Exercise Referral Practitioner. This allows you to get the knowledge and confidence you need to address your referred condition in a safe and effective way.

The programme lasts 12-weeks, during which you will have a catch-up meeting every three weeks with your Exercise Referral Practitioner, along with a final check-up appointment. Whilst participating in the scheme and prior to end of the programme we can discuss an on-going membership if you would like to continue your progress with us.”

Please ensure you read and understand the above Simply Connect Exercise Referral Scheme General Information before agreeing to take part in the Active Health Exercise

Referral scheme - Exercise Referral, The King’s School, Canterbury

Who Is It For?

“Anyone over the age of 19 can be referred. Typically, clients are required to be inactive (less than 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per week); however, we believe it is important to also support those wishing to return to exercise following an injury or illness. We require clients to be clinically stable, compliant with their medication and committed to making a long term lifestyle change.”

What Does It Cost?

(prices correct as at 17/07/2024)

  • The total cost for the scheme including 3x one to one assessments is £31.70 and £5.50 per class with
  • free tea & coffee included.
  • Contact Details
  • Organisation: The King’s School
  • Contact name: Amanda Latter
  • Address: The King’s School Recreation Centre, St Stephens Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7HU
  • Tel Number: 01227 595602
  • Email Address: exercisereferral@kingsrecreation.co.uk
  • Simply Connect Exercise Referral Website link for more information
  • King’s School Recreation Centre Website link for more information

A note from the King’s School: “We believe Exercise Referral is a fabulous opportunity to understand the physiological aspects of your exercise requirements for your referred condition in a nurturing and supportive framework. We receive referrals for many conditions including: CHD, Diabetes, Stroke, Cancer, Hypertension, Joint and musculoskeletal conditions, mental health, weight management and respiratory conditions. Physical activity is now considered to be a positive intervention for many medical conditions.”

Are There Any Exclusions?

Yes, the following are excluded from this exercise referral scheme (please discuss with your GP if you have any of these):

  • Aortic stenosis
  • Unstable angina or unstable/acute heart failure
  • Uncontrolled arrhythmias
  • Resting tachycardia of over 100bpm
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Unstable mental health status
  • High blood pressure of over 180/X and or X/100

Please ensure you read and understand the above Simply Connect Exercise Referral Scheme General Information before agreeing to take part in the King’s School Exercise Referral scheme.

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