Healthwise is designed to help individuals with existing medical conditions experience the benefits of physical activity in a safe and supportive environment. Whether you're just starting out or looking to get back on track, Healthwise offers a personalised approach to encourage people of all abilities to become and remain more active.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REFERRAL SCHEME
The Healthwise physical activity referral scheme aims to support individuals to the benefits of physical activity in order to help reduce risk factors for chronic disease and manage existing medical conditions. Typical reasons for being referred into the programme include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Excess weight
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Mental health concerns such as Depression and Anxiety
As well as 1-1 support from our Healthwise team, you will have access to the gym, pool, group exercise classes, and our Healthwise specific sessions which include:
- Healthwise circuits
- Supervised gym session
- Aquatics for health
CARDIAC REHABILITATION
Our Cardiac rehabilitation programme is designed for those who may have had a cardiac event and have been referred either from their GP or from a Phase 3 team at the local hospital.
The programme safely explores the benefits of physical activity and provides individuals with the tools to develop the lifestyle behaviours needed for a smother recovery, including heathy eating habits and stress management techniques.
The programme combines personalised 1-1 support with supervised group cardiac rehabilitation classes over a 12-week period. Classes are led by our fully qualified Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist Exercise Instructors, providing a safe and supportive environment to help you build confidence, improve your fitness, and progress at your own pace.
CANCER REHABILITATION
Every year, more and more people are receiving successful cancer treatment. Many people affected by cancer want to make positive changes in their lives. Taking steps to be physically active as part of a healthier lifestyle can be part of this.
Our Cancer rehabilitation programme is designed to help people who have been diagnosed with a cancer to participate in exercise. The referral will allow for individualised progression as well as a social aspect of meeting other participants also experiencing a cancer diagnosis.
FUNDED MEMBERSHIPS
We currently have a number of 12 week funded memberships available for people who are pre, during or post cancer treatment. If you, or someone that you know could benefit from this, please email healthwise.lincoln@gl.org for more information.
How to join Healthwise
To become a member within our Healthwise scheme, you must be referred into the service by a Healthcare professional, such as your GP. They will approve your participation, and once we recieve the referral from them, we will get in touch with you to arrange your initial assessment.
Healthwise memberships are available on a direct debit at £26 per month, or on a pay as you go option for £5 per individual session. The membership gives you access to the gym, pool and group exercise sessions at Birchwood and Yarborough leisure centres.
If you would like more information, or to have a chat with one of the team, please email healthwise.lincoln@gll.org
Meet the team
Louise Mellows
Hi I'm Louise, I'm the Healthwise Coordinator across North Kesteven & Lincoln. I've been working in the health and fitness industry since 2016, supporting a wide variety of clients to improve their health, confidence, and quality of life.
I specialise in Exercise Referral and Cancer Rehabilitation, helping individuals manage long-term health conditions through safe, personalised exercise. I'm passionate about making fitness accessible and empowering people to achieve their health goals, no matter where they're starting from.
I look forward to supporting you on your health and wellbeing journey!
Donna O'Boyle
Hello, I’m Donna, and I have worked in the health and fitness industry for over 20 years. Throughout my career, I have developed a strong passion for helping individuals improve their physical and mental wellbeing through regular physical activity and sustainable, balanced nutrition.
This passion has led me to specialise in several areas including:
· Level 3 Advanced Instructor
· Level 3 GP Exercise Referral
· Level 4 BACPR Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist Instructor
· Introduction to and Skill Development in Motivational Interviewing Skills (Dr Lynne H. Johnston)
· Solution-Focused Health Behaviour Change
· Precision Nutrition Sport & Exercise Science Level 1
· Level 3 Award in Nutrition and Weight Management (Future Fit, AfN Certified)
My coaching approach is holistic and person-centred, focusing on the whole individual rather than just a single health outcome. Together, we explore the wider lifestyle factors that may be impacting your progress, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management.
Member testimonial
I signed up for the Healthwise programme at the gym and met with Louise, who was incredibly helpful and encouraging. We discussed what would suit me best, as I have never enjoyed going to the gym before. Louise took the time to discuss benefits of using the gym, attending classes, or swimming based on my confidence and ability. Louise advised me on how to get started and gradually build up my confidence and fitness.
I was quite anxious about going, but she reassured me and offered practical suggestions, such as choosing quieter times to attend and arranging for someone to show me how to use the equipment properly. Louise also created a personalised programme for me to follow and progress with.
The gym has now become part of my daily routine. Throughout the 12 weeks, I realised the positive changes in both my health and mood, and I’ve continued to maintain my weekly routine ever since.
Health & Community Timetable
