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. 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.
- 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.
For more information about Healthwise, please contact the team: healthwise.richmond@gll.org
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
CANCER REHABILITATION PROGRAMME
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 a 12 week programme designed to support those with a cancer diagnosis to participate safely in exercise. The programme is run by a Level 4 Cancer Rehabilitation instructor, and is dedicated to helping cancer survivors become more physically active, and support them to take steps to make any healthy lifestyle changes that they may want to make.
The programme is available at:
- Pools on the Park - Old Deer Park, Twickenham Rd, Richmond TW9 2SF
- Teddington Pools and Fitness Centre - Vicarage Rd, Teddington TW11 8EZ
Please contact your local GP to be referred.
BETTER BALANCE
Better Balance is a person centred, 8 week group based programme, offering adaptive movement patterns to support individuals with strength and balance exercises to improve confidence in activities of daily living. All Better Balance classes are led by Falls Prevention Specialists, following the evidence based FaME intervention.
The programme is led by highly skilled Postural Stability Instructors (PSI) who are able to offer a range of information and expert advice for service users, their carers and families.
If you are deemed suitable for the programme, you will be booked for a face to face Initial Assessment at one of your local Better Leisure Centres. The initial assessment will last for 45-60 minutes and will understand your specific strength and balance needs and fitness level. Throughout the programme, you will further receive advice and have regular reviews/assessments, alongside signposting to other exercise opportunities. Exercises are structured and progressed over a period of weeks and months to suit your individual needs.
The programme is available at:
- Pools on the Park - Old Deer Park, Twickenham Rd, Richmond TW9 2SF
- Teddington Pools and Fitness Centre - Vicarage Rd, Teddington TW11 8EZ
Speak to your GP today who will be able to refer you.
HOW CAN I JOIN/BE REFERRED TO HEALTHWISE?
Physical Activity Referral Service is available at £26.50 per month, granting access to the gym, swimming pool, various classes and Healthwise activities. Additionally, a pay-as-you-go option is offered for £6 per session, providing flexible access for those who prefer a per-use basis. This membership is designed for individuals who were previously inactive and have medical condition(s).
Includes access to:
- Pools on the Park - Old Deer Park, Twickenham Rd, Richmond TW9 2SF
- Teddington Pools and Fitness Centre - Vicarage Rd, Teddington TW11 8EZ
If you're considering joining Healthwise, please consult with your GP or Practice Nurse. They will be able to assess your participation and submit the referral form.
If you need to contact the Healthwise team, please email healthwise.richmond@gll.org