Healthwise
What is Healthwise?
The Healthwise referral scheme that introduces individuals to the benefits of physical activity in order to help reduce risk factors for chronic disease, and manage existing medical conditions. The programme aims to improve the health and wellbeing for people of all abilities, increasing overall physical activity.
We will give you confidence and advice about how to exercise safely, and will provide you with an individually tailored exercise programme, as well as continuous support throughout your 12 week Healthwise journey.
Who is it for?
Healthwise is for local residents of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and surrounding boroughs. It is designed to assist people with medical conditions or other specialist requirements that may be a barrier to accessing mainstream activity in leisure centres.
Common reasons for referral:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Circulatory/respiratory diseases
- Depression and anxiety
- Arthritis
What activities are avaliable?
Each participant will have an initial assessment, a mid term assessment (4 weeks) and a final assessment (12 weeks). Outside of this the participant will also be able to access:
- Gym-based supervised sessions
- Group exercise options
- Water-based exercise
How can the Better health team support?
- Work together with the participant to set realistic goals
- Assess and monitor progress throughout the 12 week programme
- Motivate and encourage throughout
- Advise on how to exercise safely and with confidence, including working with the participant to create an individualised exercise programme
- Answer any questions
What membership options are available?
All successful referrals will be required to take out a subsidised membership. This will provide access to gym, swim and classes at London Aquatics Centre and Copper Box Arena. This subsidised membership will cost £25 per month, or £4.50 pay as you go.
How to register
If you are interested in Healthwise, please speak to your GP, practice nurse or social prescribing link worker, who can complete a referral form and send it on to the Healthwise team. If your GP is not registered with Healthwise then please contact the Healthwise coordinator at your local Better leisure centre. A member of the Healthwise team will then contact you to screen your referral further and let you know how we can help.