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Stay fit in a way that works for you with inclusive access to our gyms, swimming pools and fitness classes across the UK, plus discounts on a range of other activities.
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  4. Our Health Programmes aross Manchester - Physical Activity Referral Scheme
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Our Health Programmes aross Manchester - Physical Activity Referral Scheme

Physical Activity Referral

MCR Active PARS Pathway 1

PARS pathway 1 offers specialist support and physical activity opportunities for people living with long term health conditions that require a tailored delivery approach. 

Why would you be referred?

You would be referred because your doctor or your healthcare professional feels that your health will benefit if you are more active in your everyday life.

What happens after your appointment?

Following the appointment you will attend local exercise classes or other activity sessions as discussed and agreed at your initial appointment with the Physical Activity Referral Officer and it is expected that you will attend these sessions for a minimum of 12 weeks.

Eligibility for Pathway 1 

  • Asthma
  • Cancer
  • COPD
  • Coronary Heart Disease
  • Cardiovascular Disease (stroke, TIA, AF)
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Diabetes (T1)
  • Risk of falls or frailty
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
Information on Pathway 1

MCR Active PARS Pathway 2

PARS Pathway 2 is for those needing more time or confidence in attending the gym or attending an open community session.

Sessions often have smaller numbers and are delivered by qualified instructors across the city in community venues.

You will also find some Basics fitness classes delivered across Better Leisure Centres which are suitable for customers on this pathway. 

Why would you be referred?

You would be referred because your doctor or your healthcare professional feels that your health will benefit if you are more active in your everyday life.

Eligibility for Pathway 2

  • Chronic Kidney Disease
  • Deconditioning
  • Depression
  • Diabetes (Pre and T2)
  • Loneliness and isolation
  • Osteoporosis
  • Risk of a condition under Pathway 1
  • Stress
  • Weight Management
Information on Pathway 2

MCR Active PARS Pathway 3

Pathway 3 is for anyone looking to improve their health and wellbeing but with no serious ongoing health conditions and low risk of developing any in the near future.

Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, and helps with weight management.

It also enhances mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, boosting mood, and improving sleep and cognitive function.

Additionally, exercise increases self-esteem, promotes social interaction, and can extend lifespan, contributing to overall well-being.

You will find a range of activities suitable for all ages at our leisure centres that will benefit your health and wellbeing including swimming, gym and fitness classes, cycling, sailing, tennis and much more!

We also run an extensive targeted activity programme for following user groups

  • Senior activities
  • Women and girls
  • Juniors and Under 5s
  • Inclusive activities

 

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HEALTHWISE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME

Our healthwise programme is a maintenance service for those that have completed the Pathway 1, twelve week programme with Manchester Active. 

Your Physical Activity Referral Officer will discuss your progression options with you at the end of your twelve week programme. Whether that be accessing sessions within the community or being referred through to the Better Healthwise maintenance programme.

The healthwise maintenance programme will support you to maintain healthy activity habits and continue to manage your condition through a bespoke physical activity programme with the support of a fully qualified Healthwise Instructor.

Meet Chris

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Healthwise Classes

Our healthwise fitness classes are low-intensity, low impact group fitness classes delivered by our Healthwise Instructors. To attend you must be on a Healthwise membership. 

Abraham Moss - Wednesdays 09:45am - 10:30am Book here

Arcadia - Thursdays 13.00-22.00 Book here

East Manchester - Mondays 11.00am - 11.45am Book here

Hough End - Mondays 14.15pm - 15.00pm Book here

Moss Side - Fridays 11.00am - 12.00pm Book here

North City - Thursdays 13.00pm - 13.45pm Book here 

Social Prescribing

What is social prescribing?

Social prescribing is a healthcare approach where doctors, healthcare professionals or organisations providing support services refer patients or service users to non-medical services and community resources.

Referrals can include activities such as excercise classes, arts, activities, vilunteering opportunities and support groups, to improve their overal health and wellbeing. 

This approach aims to address the social, emotional and practical needs of the patients or service usrs recognising that these factors can significantly impact health outcomes. 

Referrals from Manchester organisations supporting Manchester residents will be considered, the person being referred may then be eligible for the Give-It-A-Go programme. 

What is Give-It-A-Go?

Give It A Go is here to help you take that first step to being more healthy or your first steps after being away from physical activity for a period of time. It’s never too late and before you know it, you’ll wonder why you waited so long!

The Give it A Go programme supports you to become more physically active. Following a referral from the GP, a social prescriber or as part of a community group, you'll be given a six week programme with a range of tailored activities to simply give it a go. At the end of the six weeks, you'll feel more confident to find the right activities to keep you moving. 

Give-It-A-Go-Membership

Give-It-A-Go 6 Week Membership

Cost: £30.00

Access Times: Full Centre Opening Hours

What's included?

  • Ask the instructor gym sessions
  • Gym sessions
  • Fitness classes
  • Swim sessions
  • Court bookings 
  • No strings badminton sessions

Give-It-A-Go Off-Peak 6 Week Membership

Cost: £25.00

Access Times: 9am - 16pm Weekdays, After 13.00pm Weekends.

What's included: Activities listed above, but at off peak times only

Please note, the membership is only available once per customer. Following the six weeks we can discuss progression options based on the activities you enjoyed. 

To make a referral for a service user or patient, please use the link below 

Make a Referral
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Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398.

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