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
- Arthiritis
- 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
- 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 Yarborough and Birchwood 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!
Dave Anderson
I'm passionate about health and fitness, both personally and professionally. Since graduating from the University of Lincoln in 2006, I have gained a wealth of experience and knowledge working with a wide array of clients. I particularly enjoy helping clients on exercise referral programmes and seeing them develop confidence and working towards their health goals. I am fully qualified and specialise in Exercise referral, and Cardiac rehabilitation.
Member testimonial
I am so grateful for the opportunity that I had on the 12 week exercise on prescription course. I absolutely loved the opportunity to try out all of the facilities. I feel as though I tried as may things as possible from gym sessions, Yoga, Zumba and my favourite, swimming.
Dave was wonderful from the very beginning and made me realise quickly that Yarborough leisure centre was not somewhere daunting but extremely welcoming and friendly. He really listened to everything that I told him and he gave me some really good advice.
The one thing that I feel I can take away from the experience is how to break down big goals and challenges into smaller goals. For example, I challenged myself to swim every day for one week and I felt really proud of myself when I achieved that.
Thank you so much to everyone at Yarborough who always greeted me with a smile and for a lovely, positive experience.