The Positive Impact of the NERS Program on Monmouthshire Residents
The National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) has positively impacted over 1,000 individuals in Monmouthshire this year.
This programme, funded by the Welsh Government, aims to improve the lives of adults at risk of developing or currently managing chronic conditions through a structured 16-week physical activity regimen.
In the 2024/2025 reporting period, NERS received 1,010 referrals, demonstrating strong community engagement. Among these referrals, 75% of clients commenced the program, with 66% successfully completing it.
Based on our feedback, 100% of participants expressed their hope that the program would continue in the future, and 91% said they would recommend the program to others. Furthermore, all participants reported feeling safe and comfortable while exercising, and 100% found the fitness instructors approachable and easy to talk to.
These positive responses highlight the program’s significant impact and the value it brings to the community.
‘‘On 5th November 2018, Donald and his wife Margaret were invited by the Memory Clinic at Chepstow Community Hospital to take part in an exercise and education programme starting on Monday 14th January 2019.
They both thoroughly enjoyed the exercise classes and immediately engaged with Clare and the other instructors. I attended the sessions as mum was in a wheelchair and did not want to be a hindrance to the rest of the class.
At the end of the 12 week programme Clare realised the benefit to mum and dad and recommended we continue exercising with a NERS referral from the doctor.
We kept in touch with Clare throughout Covid and I sent her photographs and videos of mum and dad exercising in the garden. These were posted on the Leisure Centre site.
Sadly, Margaret passed away in July 2021. In August 2021, Clare informed us that the Fit 4 Life classes would be resuming in September and informed us that we would need to be re-referred from the doctor to be able to attend, and also be supported via the Active 60+ Scheme, which was a new programme started by Sports Wales during the Covid Lockdown.
Donald is now accompanied by his Dad to class as he is unsteady on his feet due to his balance, and he is very conscious of not holding up the rest of the class. On 27th September, dad fell down the stairs and broke his femur. He now has a large pin in his thigh which is attached to his prosthetic knee.
On the 8th of November, he was declared ‘fit’ to re-join his exercise class. The surgeon believes his remarkable recovery is down to his fitness from his exercise classes. Dad is now back to his weekly class enjoying the banter and exercise with the rest of the class, whom we now consider to be our friends.
On 26th March, Dad will be 90 and long may his exercising at Fit 4 Life continue.
Thank you Clare for everything that you have done for us as a family.”
Donald continues to attend weekly classes, enjoying the camaraderie and exercise with friends.
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;
Impact of Ners – Rosalind
Impact of NERS – James
This post is also available in: Welsh