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Resources based on who you're looking to support
Signposting patients to physical activity can fast-track healthy new habits.
People are more likely to stick to lifestyle changes if they feel in control. Signposting your patients to physical activity finders will enable them to choose activities they’ll enjoy.
Some people will need more support than others. There are a range of different opportunities available. From self-serve options to referral schemes we’ve collated the best of opportunities available across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, as well as national programmes that will help support people to be more active.
We’re encouraging local activity providers who deliver inclusive sessions to list their activities on Activity Finders. This means people can search for activity opportunities in their local area in one place. From adapted swimming to wellbeing walks there’s a range of opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Search sessions on the Isle of Wight by activity type and location.
Visit siteMost people with a health condition will be able to take part in mainstream activities. But for those that require closer monitoring or guidance, these services provide more tailored support.
A group-based rehabilitation programme for the management of chronic knee and hip pain or back pain.
Visit siteHampshire County Council runs Steady and Strong classes to help people over 65 to improve strength and balance and avoid falls.
Visit siteAn exercise and education programme designed for people with lung disease who experience symptoms of breathlessness.
Visit siteA patient information finder with leaflets and programmes for specific health conditions, from cancer to diabetes and depression.
Visit siteSport in Mind have dedicated members of staff working with people experiencing serious mental illness to help them engage in physical activity interventions.
Visit siteWalking for Health is a great initiative for those who want to enjoy the social side of being active. We are lucky to have many FREE schemes operating in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. They’re a great introduction for people that are currently inactive, the walks are short and over easy terrain.
Patients can find their nearest walks through the following links:
Swimming and aquatic activity has so many benefits. It is a low-impact activity that helps improve cardio vascular health, strengthens muscles and can increase mobility.
The Swimming as Medicine series has been created to encourage healthcare professionals to consider recommending swimming and aquatic activity to their patients as an effective way of improving health and wellbeing. View the videos here and learn more about swimming for health.
For those that need extra support, there are adapted sessions and facilities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Ready to speak to your patients, here’s some handy links to refer to:
These programmes provide safe, structured, and personalised activity sessions led by qualified instructors who understand how to adapt exercise for different health needs. Activities may include gentle gym workouts, aquatic exercise, walking groups, or low-impact circuit classes, all tailored to individual ability and pace.
Find out about the exercise referral scheme happening in your area below.
After being referred by a health professional (doctor, nurse, physio etc) the patient is able to join Basingstoke Aquadrome gym and is given specialist care and support to exercise safely to help manage or improve their medical conditions.
This programme is 12 weeks long.
Find out more on the Basingstoke Leisure website.
Members of the HealthWorks referral scheme receive discounted memberships for Places Leisure Eastleigh Health Hub or Wildern Leisure Centre for any activities that fall under the scheme. Activities include, gym access, swimming and low intensity classes.
This programme is 12 weeks long with the opportunity to remain on the scheme for a further year as a graduate user.
Find out more on the Eastleigh Borough Council website.
Everyone Active provide support, advice, and encouragement from their fully qualified exercise professionals. They will design and guide your patient through their own personal exercise plan depending upon their medical conditions and abilities.
Find out more on the East Hampshire District Council.
This exercise referral scheme is geared towards self-management of your patient’s condition and confidence. It is offered at 25% off a standard membership rate.
This programme is 12 weeks long.
Find out more on the Fareham Borough Council website.
For these locations, the exercise referral scheme is a 12 week programme based in Places Leisure facilities.
Find out more on the Places Leisure website.
Horizon Leisure host a 12-week structured course of physical activity, designed to help people move a little more every day in a fun and supportive environment.
Find out more on the Horizon Leisure website.
The 12-week scheme will provide supervised aerobic exercise sessions with a progressive programme that is both goal orientated and meets recommended guidelines for the health condition(s) the patient is referred for.
Find out more on the Here for Hart directory.
Exercise on Prescription is an exercise referral scheme operated by the Isle of Wight Council’s 1Leisure in partnership with GP’s and health professionals across the island.
Patients’ programmes could include swimming, water workouts and fitness classes as well as Tone Zone gym sessions.
Find out more on the 1Leisure website.
Freedom Leisure’s Active Lifestyles referral program offers gym sessions, swimming, and fitness classes, tailored to you by your personal advisor.
This programme is 12 weeks long.
Find out more on the Freedom Leisure website.
Patients will be prescribed a suitable exercise program, or activities to participate in, that can help them to manage your health condition.
To ensure progress, instructors will stay in touch with at regular intervals—specifically at 6 and 12 weeks — to monitor achievements.
Find out more on the BH Live website.
The exercise referral scheme is a 24 week programme based at the Winchester Sport and Leisure Park.
The programme includes:
Find out more on the Winchester City Council website.
There’s strong evidence that taking part in physical activity in nature can help improve mental and physical health outcomes and reduce loneliness.
In many parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight there is good access to green and blue spaces that can help to reduce health inequalities in our communities. These are often a good options for patients looking for a place to get started
Do good and get fit at the same time. With groups and Southampton and Portsmouth.
Visit siteGardening is a great way to be active and connect with nature. And there are still options if patients don't have their own garden
Visit siteFor those that want to move at a time that suits them, great for people just starting out
Visit siteFree 5k route to walk, jog or run. On Saturdays in parks across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
Visit siteFor some people, something they can achieve in their own home will be better suited. There are lots of online options, with videos for people to follow along at a time and place that suits them best.
For people with long term health conditions. Take the quiz to find an activity and then follow along on the app.
Visit siteA free 9 week structured programme. Ranging from Bitesize to 30 minutes sessions.
Visit siteInstructor-led videos covering aerobic exercises, strength and resistance, and pilates and yoga
Visit site