Active Living Referral Scheme

What is the Active Living Referral Scheme?
The Active Living Referral Scheme is a programme of physical activity designed to help you to improve your health and quality of life. Your local health professionals such as your GP, Practice Nurse or Physiotherapist, can refer you to this programme, where you will receive help and support to become more and stay more physically active.

Who can access the Active Living Referral Scheme?
The scheme is open to people who want to get active, over the age of 16 with a stable health condition. Our team are highly trained therefore regardless of the type of condition you may have we will always offer a programme of physical activity suited to your health needs. We offer a wide range of activities including seated exercise, with some activities outdoor or even on the water. If that’s not to your liking, we even offer home exercise too!
Click here to view a full programme of activities-link to activity search

Will I have to wait for an appointment?
No, there are no waiting lists at any of our sites therefore as soon as you call our team we can book you in for your appointment.

Where will the activities take place?
We have a wide range of activities all across the Wigan Borough which take place in leisure centres and community venues, such as scout huts or church halls, to bring activities to you. All our activities have good public transport links and if for whatever reason you do not want to access a group we can provide a Home Exercise Programme so that you can become more active within your own home.
Check out the activity search for local sessions

Will I be supported?
Yes, our officers will support you throughout your time with us and will contact you to discuss your programme and make sure you are getting the most benefits from it. We also offer an open door policy therefore you can pop in or call us anytime for a chat about your programme.

How long will I be able to attend for?
The initial consultation will last for approximately 45 minutes and each activity session between 20 minutes and 1 hour. The programme is for 12 weeks, however we do offer on going support and reduced costs for a further year afterwards.

Who will I see when I get there?
Your initial consultation will be with one of our officers who will keep in contact with you throughout your time with us. They will then introduce you to any other instructors who you may see in activity sessions.

Supervised gym sessions - are small group activity sessions where you will receive 1:1 support from a member of Active Living staff, your gym programme will be designed specifically for you and will help to build confidence and fitness in the gym setting.

Tai Chi - originates from an ancient martial arts, the activity is slow moving and is a great way to relax and improve your breathing technique.

Walking - is a fantastic way to become more and stay more physically active, Active Living offer a variety of supported health walks from 20 minutes to 2 hours Click here to download Health walks brochure

Cardiac circuit A circuit class for those with cardiac problems is offered at many centres across the Borough and is designed as a progression from the hospital based cardiac rehabilitation, which many people with heart problems will have completed.

Exercise after Stroke rehabilitation is a gentle circuit session delivered at Howe Bridge Sports Centre and Robin Park Sports Centre. This circuit focuses on building confidence, improving hand eye coordination and balance and takes place in very sociable, safe surroundings.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a very gentle circuit for those suffering from obstructive disorders of the lungs. Working with local physiotherapists, this class has been designed to help participants cope with day to day activities, in a friendly, social environment. This is currently running at Hindley Sports Centre.

Back Rehabilitation is a specific class for the rehabilitation/strengthening of your core area including back and abdominals, based on Pilates and Physiotherapy rehabilitation techniques. Classes are offered at Total Fitness, Robin Park and Wigan Life centre.

Gentle Circuit Sessions are similar to the sessions above, however are aimed at improving general fitness and mobility and have a little more activity included.

Adapted Cycling sessions offer an alternative to cycling. Our range of bikes include hand bikes, tricycles and wheelchair adapted bikes and take place at Robin Park Sports Centre and Leigh Sports Village.

Xbox Kinect is an electronic activity based within the stroke rehab sessions allowing the individual to control various games with their body movements.

Hydrotherapy Sessions offer gentle aqua exercise in a heated pool allowing participants with poor mobility and/or pain to improve strength, mobility and coordination.

Air Resistance Equipment offers an alternative to gym equipment which is much easier to get on and off and allows you to easily adjust the resistance to suit your needs.

Motorcised Equipment allows you to slowly build up your resistance with programmes tailored to your health needs.