Physical activity referral scheme

What the physical activity referral scheme is, how it can help you and how you can get referred.

This is an introduction to physical activity to 

It's a 12 week scheme where you visit a participating leisure centre or gym at least twice a week. 

You'll get a personalised exercise programme with a trained referral instructor, based around your health conditions and what you'd like to achieve, even if you haven't exercised before.

Who the scheme is for

You can do the scheme if you

How it works

At your first session, you'll meet your referral instructor at one of the venues listed below. They'll do a health check with you where you can discuss any preferences or concerns you have or ask them any questions.

The instructor will plan a personalised programme for you and give you an induction on how to use any gym equipment you'll use for your plan. 

Activities are mainly gym based exercise but may include other activities like swimming and light circuit training, depending on the leisure centre you go to.

You'll meet your instructor during week 3, 6 and 12 of your programme. In week 3, you'll have an informal chat about how your programme is going. At weeks 6 and 12, you'll also have a health check to track your progress. 

When you've completed the scheme, make an appointment with your doctor, nurse or health care practitioner to discuss: 

  • your results
  • your health condition
  • how to continue exercising and stay active after you finish the scheme

How to get a referral

Ask your doctor, practice nurse, physiotherapist or hospital consultant if you're suitable to do the scheme. 

If you are, your doctor or practice nurse needs to fill in this GP referral registration form for Easton, Henbury or Horfield leisure centres.

For all others send a pdf referral form (152 KB)  to the instructor at your chosen leisure centre or gym. The instructor will contact you within two weeks to arrange your first appointment.

How much it costs

The cost will depend on which centre you go to, but it is less than the standard membership or entry fee to the venues. Contact the venues listed below to find out the cost and times before you ask for a referral.

Some venues offer discounted memberships for people who've completed the 12 week scheme.

You can bring someone with you, such as a friend or family member. They pay the same reduced entry fee as you for the sessions.

Where you can do it

You can find out more about the classes and facilities at each centre and where your doctor or nurse sends your referral form to:

Sports and Gym Facilities: Imperial Sports Ground
Imperial Sports Ground
West Town Lane, Bristol BS14 9EA.

Call: 0117 903 8681 or email:  reception@imperialsportsground.co.uk

Exercise / GP Referral Scheme
Brunel Fitness Centre
Speedwell Road, Speedwell, BS15 1NU
Contact either:

Exercise Referral Scheme
Easton Leisure Centre
Thrissell Street, Easton, BS5 0SW        
Contact either:

Exercise on Referral
Greenway Centre
Doncaster Road, Southmead, BS10 5PY
Contact either: 

Exercise Referral Scheme
Henbury Leisure Centre 
Avonmouth Way, Henbury, BS10 9NG
Contact either:

Steps to Health GP Referral Programme
Hengrove Park Leisure Centre
The Boulevard, Hengrove Park, BS14 0JZ    
Contact:  Kurtis at hengrove.referral@parkwood-leisure.co.uk or call: 0117 937 0200 

Exercise Referral Scheme
Horfield Leisure Centre 
Dorian Road, Horfield, BS7 0XW
Contact either:

The Park Sports Centre
Daventry Road, Knowle, BS4 1DQ
Contact:  Matt Farr at matt.farr@theparkcentre.org.uk or call: 0117 903 9770 

Kingsdown Medical Referral: ELITE Sports UK
Elite Sports UK
Kingsdown, Portland St, Bristol BS2 8HL.
Contact:  Miri Vogler at Mirivogler@elitesportsuk.com.

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