Healthwise

HEALTHWISE: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REFERRAL SCHEME (PARS)

PARS introduces individuals to the wide‑ranging benefits of becoming more physically active, helping them better manage existing medical conditions and improve their overall wellbeing. The programme is designed to support people of all abilities, offering a gentle and accessible route into regular activity for those who may be new to exercise or returning after a period of ill health. By encouraging participants to build confidence, develop healthier habits, and discover activities that work for them, PARS aims to create long‑lasting, positive lifestyle changes that enhance both physical and mental health.

WHO IS HEALTHWISE FOR?

The programme is intended for individuals who are currently inactive and living with medical conditions. It offers a gentler, more accessible introduction to physical activity, ensuring participants can build confidence and progress at a pace that feels safe and manageable. By creating a structured environment with activities tailored to individual needs, the scheme helps people take meaningful steps toward improving their long‑term health and wellbeing.

Common Reasons for Referral Include:

  • High blood pressure – helping individuals become more active in a controlled, supervised way. 
  • Diabetes – supporting the management of blood sugar levels through appropriate exercise. 
  • Asthma – introducing activity that can improve breathing efficiency and overall respiratory health. 
  • Circulatory or respiratory conditions – providing safe activity options to help improve stamina and cardiovascular function.
  • Depression and anxiety – encouraging gentle, structured movement that can enhance mood, reduce stress, and build routine.
image shows a female on gym equipment with an instructor advising her
image shows a senior male and female smiling in the water at the edge of a swimming pool.

WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE?

PARS provides members with a wide range of classes and exercise options to suit all abilities. A qualified GP Referral Instructor can help select suitable classes tailored to an individual’s medical conditions and needs. A physical activity programme may include some of the following:

  • Gym based sessions- independent or supervised 
  • Group exercise options 
  • Water-based exercise

HOW CAN THE BETTER HEALTH TEAM SUPPORT?

The Better Health Team can:

  • Assess and monitor progress, providing suitable physical activity for your condition 
  • Motivate and encourage you during your activity programme to achieve your goals 
  • Advise you on how to exercise safely and with confidence 
  • Provide assistance to exercise independently 
  • Provide support and answer your questions.

WHAT MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

The Healthy Living Membership provides access to the Gym, Pool and classes for previously sedentary individuals who have a medical condition(s).

You can choose from the following options: 

Direct Debit £27.50

Pay-as-you-go £6.00

HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested in PARS, please speak to your GP or Practice Nurse who will authorise your request and they will send your referral form to us. Once we have received your referral form electronically, a member of our Healthwise Team will be in contact to begin the process.

If you have any further questions or queries related to our service please contact us on HealthwiseSovereign@gll.org

Please note, we do not accept paper referral forms posted to us or brought into the centre. We only accept electronic referral forms.

To see more about our programme and the impact it has had on people within our community, you can watch our YouTube video https://youtu.be/xQpdffni0wU 

Healthwise Video