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 or specialist requirements that make it challenging to take part in mainstream exercise. 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
HOW CAN THE BETTER HEALTH TEAM SUPPORT?
Our Better Health Team is here to help you make safe, steady and sustainable progress throughout your activity journey. They offer personalised support, ensuring you feel confident, informed and motivated every step of the way. The team can:
- Assess and monitor your progress, recommending suitable physical activity based on your medical condition and individual needs.
- Motivate and encourage you throughout your programme, helping you stay focused and work towards your personal goals.
- Advise you on exercising safely and confidently, ensuring you understand how to move in a way that supports your health.
- Advise you on exercising safely and confidently, ensuring you understand how to move in a way that supports your health.
- Help you build the skills to exercise independently, giving you the tools and guidance needed to continue being active beyond the programme.
- Provide ongoing support and answer your questions, so you always feel reassured and well-informed.
To request a referral please contact your GP. For more information about Healthwise, please contact the team: healthwise.lbhf@nhs.net
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