Healthwise

WHAT IS HEALTHWISE?

Our Healthwise Physical Activity Referral Scheme (PARS) introduces individuals to the benefits of physical activity in order to help reduce risk factors for chronic disease and manage existing medical conditions.

Our 12-week programme aims to inspire individuals of all levels and abilities to increase and maintain their physical and mental health. Healthwise offers personalised physical activity plans and group-based activities which will help individuals to safely increase their activity levels and become confident in achieving the recommended activity guidelines.

The group-based activities are a range of tailored activities as appropriate such as circuits, water-based exercise, and supported gym sessions. These take place at:

Healthwise is free to access. However, to engage in leisure centre-based activities such as gym sessions, group exercise classes and swimming a Healthy Living membership is required. This membership is valid at all leisure centres throughout the London Borough of Islington. The membership is not compulsory, there are a range of alternative activity options available across Islington as well as a home-based programmes.

The scheme is funded by Islington Council and delivered by GLL, also known as Better, from October 2024.

WHO ARE WE?

Our Healthwise programme is delivered by a dedicated team of exercise professionals. The team are on hand to offer information and support with physical activity and healthy lifestyles advice.

The Healthwise team will help:

  • Assess and monitor your progress, providing suitable physical activity for you condition.
  • Motivate and encourage you during your activity programme to help you achieve your goals.
  • Advise you on how to exercise safely and with confidence.
  • Provide support and answer your questions.

WHO CAN JOIN THE PROGRAMME?

The Healthwise programme is for people who:

  • Are a resident of Islington and aged 18+.
  • Are currently inactive, that is, doing less than 30 minutes of moderate activity a week.
  • Are ready to make significant changes to their daily habits.
  • Need structured support to make lifestyle changes.
  • Have at least one established risk factor of chronic condition (stable) that could be prevented or improved through being more active.
  • Do not have a contraindication to exercise or fall outside of the eligibility criteria.

Providing you fit the eligibility criteria, you can be referred to Healthwise by your GP, Practice Nurse, specialist consultant, link worker or other allied health professional.

If your GP or nurse feel you may benefit from the programme they will need to complete a referral form and send it to the Healthwise team who will contact you to discuss the programme further and make an initial appointment.

Common reasons for referral:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Circulatory/respiratory diseases
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Arthritis

How does it work?

Once your referral has been received the Healthwise team will screen your referral and if the eligibility criteria is met, will contact you to book an initial appointment. The staff who will contact you are experts in understanding your needs and are skilled at encouraging and supporting you throughout the booking process.

The programme offers an individual initial assessment where your instructor will discuss activity choices and if relevant explore other lifestyle behaviours. During this session they will help you to establish your goals and devise an activity action plan.

This will include the types of activities (supervised or independent) based on your medical condition and previous experience of activity. This assessment will also include a gym induction with an individualised programme (if appropriate).

A review assessment takes place after 4 weeks and a final assessment at 12 weeks to see how you have progressed through the Healthwise programme and agree an onward action plan.

Some of the main features of our programme include:

  • Gym-based supervised sessions.
  • Group exercise options.
  • Water-based exercise.
  • Community activity options like group walks.
  • Sports-based sessions.
  • Home programme (including free access to online classes).

HOW CAN BEING MORE ACTIVE HELP?

Regular activity can reduce the risk of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. Being active will help to:

  • Keep your heart strong and healthy.
  • Reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Assist with weight loss and weight management.
  • Strengthen your muscles.
  • Improve your mobility and posture.
  • Assist with smoking cessation.
  • Improve your quality of life and overall health.

HOW TO REGISTER

Ready to take the first step to a more active lifestyle?

Step 1

Speak to your GP, practice nurse, or link worker who must refer you.

Step 2

If recommended, your GP, nurse or link worker will complete a referral form and send it to the Healthwise team.

Step 3

Healthwise will check your referral and if you are eligible will contact you to book an appointment.

QUESTIONS?

If you want to find out more about the Healthwise programme and wish to speak to one of the team please contact us.

If you are a Health Professional and want to know how to make a referral, please contact us for more information.