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 session- 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 Friday from 11:30am to 12:30pm at Better Gym Sleaford.
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 Sleaford Leisure Centre, Better Gym Sleaford and One NK.
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
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
I took up the referral to the leisure centre so I could get more active and feel better in myself. When I started using it, I felt it was a very welcoming environment which put me at ease. I use the gym the most and I attend two days a week for an hour each time.
I have noticed a big improvement in my mental health, especially my overall mood and confidence, as well as my daily routine. I feel a lot fitter and healthier, and feel like I do more even outside of the gym now too.
I would definitely recommend getting a referral and to get started with the Healthwise team if you need some support in increasing your activity to help manage any physical or mental health conditions.