HEALTHWISE: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REFERRAL SCHEME (PARS)

Healthwise introduces individuals to the benefits of physical activity in order to help reduce risk factors for chronic disease and manage existing medical conditions. The programme is designed to encourage people of all abilities to become and remain more physically active, helping to increase fitness levels and improve health and well-being. Healthwise provides a welcoming, affordable and accessible service to those attending our centres. 

Inclusion criteria

  • London Borough of Croydon Resident or registered with a GP surgery in Croydon.
  • Over 18 Years Old.
  • Medical condition meets the inclusion criteria.
  • Ready to make a change (Pre-contemplation, contemplation phase).
  • Physically inactive (Less than 30 minutes per week & no gym membership within the last 6 months).

Please see below to find out more information, or contact the Healthwise Team on 02073861060 or email healthwise.croydon@GLL.org

WHO IS HEALTHWISE FOR?

The programme is for Croydon residents or patients registered at a Croydon GP surgery. It is designed to assist adults 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

WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE?

Healthwise offer a range of activities to suit all abilities. Your Healthwise facilitator will help you select suitable activities and classes.

Your physical activity programme may include some of the following:

  • Healthwise ‘Be Active’ sessions (supervised gym)
  • 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

Cancer Rehabilitation Programme

Every year, more and more people are successfully completing cancer treatment. For many people affected by cancer, this can be an opportunity to make positive changes and focus on living a healthier lifestyle. Becoming more physically active can be an important part of this journey.

Our Cancer Rehabilitation Programme is designed to support people who are currently undergoing treatment or have recently completed treatment, helping them to become more physically active and make positive, healthy lifestyle changes.

For further information, please speak to your GP or cancer care team.

Cancer Rehabilitation Programme

Research has shown that staying physically active can help prevent or manage many of the symptoms and health conditions that people living with or recovering from cancer may experience.

  • Help reduce tiredness and fatigue
  • Reduce feelings of anxiety and depression
  • Support maintaining a healthy weight
  • Help strengthen muscles
  • Support healthy bones
  • Improve flexibility and reduce stiffness
  • Improve balance and coordination
  • Help build confidence and wellbeing                                                                      (Source: Physical activity and cancer | Macmillan Cancer Support)

WHAT MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

The Healthwise membership is a subsidized membership that provides access to gym, swimming and classes at all four leisure centres in the borough of Croydon.

Our Leisure Centres

Waddon Leisure Centre

Thornton Heath Leisure Centre

New Addington Leisure & Community Centre

South Norwood Leisure Centre

HOW TO REGISTER?

If you are interested in PARS, please speak to your GP, Practice Nurse, Social Prescriber or Healthcare Professional who will then be able to authorise your request, complete and send the necessary referral form to us. Once we have received your completed referral form, one of the Healthwise team will call you to arrange your first appointment at a Croydon Leisure Centre.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Healthwise Team on 02073861060 or email healthwise.croydon@GLL.org