A PHYSICAL activity referral scheme has been expanded to help Reading residents.
The borough council is on a drive to improve health and wellbeing across the area this year.
The Healthwise scheme aims to support residents with medical conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, circulatory diseases or depression and anxiety.
Its capacity as a GP referral scheme is being increased.
It includes a range of support, from weight management courses to water-based exercise sessions.
West Reading resident Paul Robinson, 70, was referred to the scheme in September last year by the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation team.
He was given 12 weeks of one-to-one support with supervised gym sessions.
Mr Robinson said “After my journey through the bypass, post-operation and post-cardiac rehab exercises, it was recommended that I came to the gym to carry on with the exercises and keep my heart working properly.”
He now trains at the gym twice a week and said that the scheme did him a “world of good”.
He added: “I’m told I have some colour in my cheeks now, which apparently I didn’t have.”
Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL), which operates all of Reading’s four leisure centres on the council’s behalf, leads the scheme.
Craig Woodward, GLL’s partnership manager for Reading said: “As a not-for-profit social enterprise, GLL are much more than a gym operator – working closely in partnership with Reading Borough Council we are at the heart of community health and wellbeing.
“By engaging people who would not normally come to a gym, leisure centre or pool and finding the right type of exercise for them, we can make a measurable improvement to people’s quality of life – socially, mentally and physically.
“We are very proud of the difference we make and are looking forward to getting more people, more active more often as Reading’s new first-class leisure facilities open.”
Cllr Graeme Hoskin, Reading’s lead for health, wellbeing and sport, said that there is a great deal of support and activities on offer.
He added: “I’m delighted that we are progressing our exciting £40 million investment in new leisure facilities which are coming along a-pace. We’re doing this because we’re passionate about improving health and wellbeing across Reading, with the aim of a 40% increase in participation levels.
“With all the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, it is more important than ever we inspire and support the communities we serve to lead healthier, more active lives.
“We know that regular activity can reduce the risk of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer – as well as play a big role in reducing stress and anxiety.
“If you think you would benefit from support into getting active again, speak to your GP or health provider for a referral. That small step can go a long way to improving your quality of life and overall health.”
Residents can speak to their GP, practice nurse or Social prescribing link worker, who can refer them to Healthwise.
For more information, email: Healthwise.Reading@GLL.ORG or visit: www.better.org.uk/healthwise
