Health referral schemes in Belfast

Whether you’re new to exercise or need some support getting back into a routine, one of our health referral programmes could be right for you.  You can choose from a number of programmes for people with pre-existing health conditions. With any of these health referral schemes, you’ll get 12 weeks of free support from our trained instructors, helping you take steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Learn how to manage your condition and add physical fitness into your daily routine to boost your overall health and wellness.

Plenty of fitness studios

Fitness for free

If you have a pre-exisiting health condition, our Health referral schemes means you can get support for free at your local gym for 12 weeks.

16 Centres offering classes

12 weeks of support

Over the 12-week scheme, our Health referral facilitators will be there every step of the way to help you on your fitness journey.

30+ class types to try

City-wide referrals

Wherever you’re based, we offer our Health referral schemes across Belfast so you can find support near you.

About our exercise referral schemes

If you have an existing health condition, our Health referral schemes can help you get into exercise and build up a fitness routine that helps you manage your condition and live a healthy lifestyle.

Regional PARS (Physical Activity Referral Scheme) known locally as Healthwise

When you take part in Healthwise, you’ll have an initial assessment with your Healthwise facilitator where you’ll talk about your goals, have a gym induction, and work out a plan for your weekly sessions.

So that you feel supported throughout your journey, our Healthwise pathway includes a gym programme and optional weekly group exercise sessions.  You will have regular check-ins to see how you’re doing. These review sessions give you a chance to have a catch-up with your facilitator and review your progress against your goals.

And once you’ve completed your 12-week programme, you can enjoy a discounted Better membership so you can stay active in a way that works for you.

If you are interested, a referral can be made by your GP.

Read on to see what other schemes are available across Belfast.

Musculoskeletal Physical Activity

If you have a musculoskeletal condition, the musculoskeletal (MSK) pathway will help you get into a regular exercise routine that works for your body.

Each week, you’ll attend a 45-minute group session - either at a circuit class or in the pool - with exercises to help boost your flexibility, strength, and balance. These instructor-led sessions will help you get into regular physical activity in a safe, friendly and supportive environment with help on hand every step of the way.

If this pathway sounds like its right for you, a referral can be made by your first contact physio in West Belfast or Versus Arthritis. 

 

aqua aerobic session

Where are classes held?

Andersonstown Leisure Centre | Brook Leisure Centre | Olympia Leisure Centre | Falls Leisure Centre | Grove Wellbeing Centre | Templemore Baths

Cardiac Rehabilitation

If you have a heart condition, an active lifestyle can be important for staying fit and keeping your heart healthy.

Our cardiac rehabilitation programme will help you do just that, with support from our instructors to build up an exercise routine that works for you. Each week, you’ll have a face-to-face group session with your Cardiac coach to work on exercises that boost your cardiovascular health.

By the end of the 12 weeks, you’ll feel confident about exercising and will take away key skills about living a healthy and active lifestyle.

conditioning class

Where are classes held?

Grove Wellbeing Centre | Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre | Olympia Leisure Centre

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

If you have a respiratory condition, our Pulmonary Pathway might be the right exercise option for you. 

Each week, you’ll have a face-to-face session with your Pulmonary coach to work on exercises that boost your muscular strength and endurance which will assist with your respiratory health. Sessions are typically circuit based carried out on a weekly basis. Your instructor will make sure that everything is taken at a pace you’re comfortable with.

If you are interested a referral can be made by your respiratory physio.

Man on treadmill

Where are classes held?

Girdwood Community Hub

Health referral scheme FAQs

Which gyms can I visit with my Healthwise membership?

Taking part in a 12-week Health referral scheme means you’ll get access to Better facilities across Belfast. Our Health referral schemes are offered at the following centres:

Please note, not all health schemes are available in all centres.

What exercise referral schemes are on offer in Belfast?

Currently, we offer a range of H referral schemes for people with specific conditions. Alongside our general physical activity referral scheme (PARS), wwe also offer support for those with chronic conditions including musculoskeletal conditions, cardiac problems, cancer, and respiratory conditions.

What happens after the 12 weeks?

Anyone who’s completed a 12-week Health referral scheme can sign up for a discounted Belfast membership, which gives you access to any Better facilities across the city. You’ll get full gym, swimming, and fitness class access, including our range of ‘Basics’ fitness classes with lower-impact exercise options ideal for those who have recently completed a referral scheme.

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