National Exercise Referral Scheme
The National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) is a chronic condition prevention and management programme which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of sedentary and inactive adults who are at risk of developing or who have an existing chronic condition. It provides a 16-week programme of physical activity to individuals referred by NHS health professionals, using behaviour change techniques to embed positive physical activity habits.
Once referred, patients that meet the criteria are invited to their local leisure centre for an initial assessment with a qualified exercise referral professional. They will be offered a tailored, supervised exercise programme for 16 weeks and their progress will be reviewed at key points.
How can I be referred?
A referral can be obtained by a recognised NHS Health Professional (e.g. – GP; Nurse; Physiotherapist or Dietician) via the new a new web-based system, called the Theseus portal. Referring Health Professionals can find out more about the Theseus Portal here: NERS New Patient Management System – Public Health Wales
Once referred you will be booked in for a first assessment with a trained Exercise Referral Professional. They will complete a health check, explain what the scheme involves and answer any questions you may have.
What are the benefits of physical activity?
Recently we were able to sit down with some of our current NERS Participants and ask them about the programme and how it’s impacted and improved their health and wellness. Check out the videos below to hear more about their journeys.
Rosalind
James
Philip
The physical benefits include:
- The heart and lungs become stronger and more efficient
- Muscular strength increases
- Joints become stronger
- The onset of osteoporosis can be delayed
- Body fat and excess weight may be reduced
- Relaxation and sleep might be improved
- Being better able to carry out the activities of daily living
- Feeling more alert and energetic
- Maintaining good posture
- Helping to normalise blood pressure
- Reduce risk of developing diabetes
- A reduced risk of blood clotting
- Helping to maintain independence, rather than becoming dependant
The psychological benefits include:
Some comments people have made
- “I feel less anxious and stressed”
- “My confidence and self-esteem are better”
- “Being more active helped me to give up smoking”
- “The activity sessions gave me time for myself”
- “My wife says I look a lot happier”
- “I took more responsibility for my own health”
The social benefits include:
Some comments people have made
- “It was a good opportunity to meet other people who had the same worries as I did”
- “The sessions made me get out of the house and gave me a new interest”
- “I made new friends and enjoyed the conversations we had”
- “I feel much fitter and can play with my grandchildren for longer now
This post is also available in: Welsh