EXERCISE sessions are being offered throughout Great Yarmouth and Waveney to encourage people with health problems to improve their wellbeing through physical activity.

EXERCISE sessions are being offered throughout Great Yarmouth and Waveney to encourage people with health problems to improve their wellbeing through physical activity.

The Exercise Referral Scheme provides a personalised programme which can benefit people who have physical or mental health conditions. The sessions are run over 12 weeks and are partly funded by NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

Kelly Burrage, exercise referral coordinator from NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, said: “The scheme is for people who have existing health problems. The aim is to improve their long-term health.

“This isn't free gym membership but it works through discounted sessions at a local gym in Yarmouth or Waveney with a qualified instructor.”

There are up to 20 sessions within the 12-week period which are discounted, working out at approximately �2 to �3.

Miss Burrage added: “The instructor has an initial assessment with the individual, looking at their height, weight, blood pressure along with a wellbeing questionnaire and then a suitable programme of exercise will be planned.

“They complete up to 20 sessions over their 12-week programme then the individual has progress assessments half-way through and at the end.”

People who are interested in the scheme should talk to their GP or a health professional who will be able to refer them onto the scheme.

Danielle Woods, exercise referral coordinator for NHS GYW, added: “There's a lot of evidence backing physical activity in improving not only physical health but mental health too. It can help reduce physical symptoms and promote a longer, healthier life.

“The sessions are great as they provide an environment where people feel more confident to start exercising because they're with an instructor.”

For more information, contact the exercise referral team on 01493 334711.