Healthwise is designed to help individuals with existing medical conditions experience the benefits of physical activity in a safe and supportive environment. Whether you're just starting out or looking to get back on track, Healthwise offers a personalised approach to encourage people of all abilities to become and remain more active.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REFERRAL SCHEME
The Healthwise physical activity referral scheme aims to support individuals to the benefits of physical activity in order to help reduce risk factors for chronic disease and manage existing medical conditions. Typical reasons for being referred into the programme include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Excess weight
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Mental health concerns such as Depression and Anxiety
As well as 1-1 support from our Healthwise team, you will have access to the gym, pool, group exercise classes, and our Healthwise specific sessions which include:
- Healthwise circuits
- Supervised & unsupervised gym sessions in our Health hub
- Aquatics for health
CARDIAC REHABILITATION
Our Cardiac rehabilitation programme is designed for those who may have had a cardiac event and have been referred either from their GP or from a Phase 3 team at the local hospital.
The programme safely explores the benefits of physical activity and provides individuals with the tools to develop the lifestyle behaviours needed for a smother recovery, including heathy eating habits and stress management techniques.
The programme combines personalised 1-1 support with supervised group cardiac rehabilitation classes over a 12-week period. Classes are led by our fully qualified Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist Exercise Instructors, providing a safe and supportive environment to help you build confidence, improve your fitness, and progress at your own pace. Group sessions take place every Monday from 11:30am to 12:30pm & 2:30pm-3.30pm at One NK.
CANCER REHABILITATION
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 designed to help people who have been diagnosed with a cancer to participate in exercise. The referral will allow for individualised progression as well as a social aspect of meeting other participants also experiencing a cancer diagnosis.
How to join Healthwise
To become a member within our Healthwise scheme, you must be referred into the service by a Healthcare professional, such as your GP. They will approve your participation, and once we recieve the referral from them, we will get in touch with you to arrange your initial assessment.
Healthwise memberships are available on a direct debit at £26 per month, or on a pay as you go option for £5 per individual session. The membership gives you access to the gym, pool and group exercise sessions at One NK, Better Gym Sleaford & Sleaford Leisure Centre.
If you would like more information, or to have a chat with one of the team, please email healthwise.northkesteven@gll.org
Meet the team
Sally Higgins
Hi, my name is Sal and I am part of the Healthwise team at OneNK and Better Gym Sleaford. I have been in the exercise industry since 2011 where I started teaching zumba fitness. I have qualified in many things since then, but my health declined in 2020 when I caught Covid-19, and this forced me to change my direction in fitness and lead me to the career path I am on now.
My passion is to help people with long term health conditions and barriers to exercise, as I am in the same position, I can empathise with them. I have a soft spot for the older population and seeing their determination to stay as active and healthy as possible is what makes my role so rewarding. I particularly enjoy teaching seated exercise which can be adapted to anybody in the class
My expertise is backed by specialised qualifications, including:
BACPR Cardiac Rehab L4
Cancer Rehab L4
Exercise referral L4
Exercise therapy L4
Donna O'Boyle
Hello, I’m Donna, and I have worked in the health and fitness industry for over 20 years. Throughout my career, I have developed a strong passion for helping individuals improve their physical and mental wellbeing through regular physical activity and sustainable, balanced nutrition.
This passion has led me to specialise in several areas including:
· Level 3 Advanced Instructor
· Level 3 GP Exercise Referral
· Level 4 BACPR Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist Instructor
· Introduction to and Skill Development in Motivational Interviewing Skills (Dr Lynne H. Johnston)
· Solution-Focused Health Behaviour Change
· Precision Nutrition Sport & Exercise Science Level 1
· Level 3 Award in Nutrition and Weight Management (Future Fit, AfN Certified)
My coaching approach is holistic and person-centred, focusing on the whole individual rather than just a single health outcome. Together, we explore the wider lifestyle factors that may be impacting your progress, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management.
Julia Hanson
Hi, I'm Julia. I've been in the fitness industry for almost 25 years. I've always had a passion for health & fitness after suffering with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for most of my thirties & then deciding to 'get fitter'. I still go to the gym 2 or 3 times a week. I love seeing how good people feel when they are achieving their health & wellness goals, or coming back from medical issues or injuries.
I'm qualified in Personal Training, Nutrition advice, Exercise referral & Cancer Rehabilitation. I also assist with Cardiac Rehab classes & have been privy to many of their inspiring stories. I've also assisted with a local Physiotherapy team for their balance & strength classes for people with arthritis or rehab from strokes.
The sense of satisfaction I get by helping people, is a major reason I'll continue to work in this field as long as I can
Louise Mellows
Hi I'm Louise, I'm the Healthwise Coordinator across North Kesteven & Lincoln. I've been working in the health and fitness industry since 2016, supporting a wide variety of clients to improve their health, confidence, and quality of life.
I specialise in Exercise Referral and Cancer Rehabilitation, helping individuals manage long-term health conditions through safe, personalised exercise. I'm passionate about making fitness accessible and empowering people to achieve their health goals, no matter where they're starting from.
I look forward to supporting you on your health and wellbeing journey!
Member testimonial
Donna was wonderful. She listened to my disability needs. She tailored exercises to what my body can do. Donna was with me on my training days, supported and encouraged me throughout the programme.
Donna has been the most influential person in my life. She has introduced me to a new way of living. I really can’t express enough how important this Gym referral has been to me and how grateful I am to Donna for opening the doors to a fitter life.
I feel psychologically happier, physically more confident and generally more positive.
The staff at the gym have moved the physical space and furniture by the lockers so as to make it safer for me to sit and access my coats and bags. They did not see this as an inconvenience or beyond their remit and did everything to make sure I was welcomed into a space that; I as a disabled person, have for many years previously, felt that I didn’t belong.
Finally, this 12 week programme has been an eye opener to me and the first step in my fitness journey. I have seen my body shape change, improvements in the strength of my limbs and seen my weights increase at the gym.