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Healthwise

HEALTHWISE

  1. Are you currently inactive?
  2. Do you require physical activity advice?
  3. Do you have one or more of the following health conditions?

Hypertension

Peripheral Vascular Disease

>20% Cardiovascular Disease risk

Established Coronary Heart Disease

Stroke / TIA

Depression

Anxiety Disorders

Hyperlipidaemia

Type 1 / Type 2 Diabetes

Fibromyalgia

Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome

Osteoarthritis

Osteopenia

Osteoporosis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Neurological Conditions

Asthma

COPD

If you have answered yes to all 3 questions you may qualify for our Healthwise PARS.

Please see below to find out more or contact the Healthwise Team on 07752 084259 or email exercise.referral@nhs.net

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REFERRAL SCHEME (PARS)

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PARS introduces individuals to the benefits of physical activity in order to help manage and improve existing medical conditions. PARS aims to encourage people of all abilities to become and remain more active which should in turn improve knowledge, skills, confidence and improve an individual’s health and wellbeing.

The Better Health Team provide information and support with physical activity and healthy lifestyles. They monitor progress and adjust individual’s physical activity programmes accordingly to ensure they are on track to reach their goals.

This scheme is currently being delivered across the leisure centres in Croydon.

    • Waddon Leisure Centre
    • Thornton Heath Leisure Centre
    • New Addington Leisure Centre
    • Purley Leisure Centre

For details on how to obtain a referral and register as a Healthwise member at a Croydon Leisure Centre, please see the below information.

Who Is PARS For?

The programme is for Croydon residents or patients registered at a Croydon GP surgery. It is designed to assist people who are currently inactive with medical conditions or other specialist requirements that prevent them from entering mainstream exercise.

Common reasons for referral:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • COPD / Asthma
  • Circulatory / respiratory diseases
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Heart Disease
  • Stroke / TIA
  • Osteoporosis
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What activities are available?

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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
  • Group exercise options (currently only available at Waddon & Thornton Heath Leisure Centres)
  • 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
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What Membership Options are Available?

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The Healthwise Membership provides access to the Gym, Pool and Classes for a monthly or annual fee, obtainable for previously sedentary individuals who have a medical condition(s).

You can choose from the following options: pay-as-you-go, monthly direct debit or upfront annual payments. Current prices are available on request.

How to apply

If you are interested in PARS, please speak to your GP, Practice Nurse or Healthcare Professional who will authorise your request. Once they have provided you with a completed referral form, please contact the Healthwise Team via email exercise.referral@nhs.net or telephone 07752 084259 to arrange your first appointment at a Croydon Leisure Centre.