A scheme that targets clients who are at risk of developing chronic disease by providing an opportunity for referrals to access a high quality supervised exercise programme in Denbighshire through Leisure services has been hailed a big success.
The National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) is a Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) funded scheme which has been in development since 2006 to standardise exercise referral opportunities across all Local Authorities and Local Health Boards in Wales.
The Scheme has been funded by WAG working in partnership with the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), Local Authorities, the Public Health Wales (PHW) and Local Health Boards.
The National Exercise Referral Scheme in Denbighshire provides cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation and falls prevention and next year the scheme is expected to provide a back care service and support with obesity and diabetes.
Referrals come from GPs, practice nurses and a range of health professionals such as dieticians and physiotherapists. The programme provides education and motivation, as well as 16 weeks of activities. Clients are interviewed up to 12 months after referral.
Clwyd Kelly took part in the WINNERS programme. He said: “I first heard of the WINNERS scheme when I had a heart procedure last year. I had been attending an NHS session for people recovering from heart operations and then I went into the WINNERS programme. Because I had a heart problem, I started off slowly and built up my fitness level. My instructor Julie was really friendly and made me feel very confident. I have lost weight and my blood pressure has lowered but my fitness level is really good now.
“I have successfully qualified as a Nordic Walking Instructor and now am leading walks around Denbigh. Every Thursday I lead a walk specifically for the WINNERS scheme and this way I can now help people and encourage people as I know how they feel !”
A letter received by the scheme stated: “We have learnt so much about diet, stress and fitness and Julie (the instructor) has been such an amazing support and inspiration to us, guiding and building our fitness to the level it is now at, and it is thanks to her that we both have gained in strength and confidence. We feel we have been extremely lucky to have found out about the scheme and were given the chance to attend. I think that the scheme should be advertised more widely in the doctor’s surgery as I am sure there are plenty of people suffering needlessly when such help is available to them.
Jamie Groves, Denbighshire County Council’s Head of Leisure, Libraries and Community Development, said: “We are delighted at the success of our scheme in Denbighshire. The service is not just for people with chronic conditions – it also provides for a range of minor medical conditions. The service runs in town halls, leisure centres and there are a range of activities, including closely supervised fitness sessions, gym and water based, as well as walking.
“We work closely with our clients to arrange a programme that meets their individual needs and I’m delighted that the scheme is getting the recognition it deserves.”
For further information about the WINNERS scheme in Denbighshire, please contact Lorraine Pendleton, on 07917040647 or email: [email protected]
