Exercise as a Powerful Tool for Recovery
Physical activity is one of the most effective tools we have for preventing, managing, and recovering from long-term health conditions. Our Health Referral Schemes offer a supported pathway to better health for people across Thurrock — whether you’re managing an illness, recovering from injury, or looking after your mental wellbeing.
Referrals come through GPs, physiotherapists, other healthcare professionals, or self-referral. Every session is delivered by our fully qualified team in small groups, tailored to individual needs. Alongside structured exercise under expert supervision, our sessions help people build social connections with others going through similar health experiences.
98% of patients on our schemes report improved wellness levels, based on 400 patients exercising twice a week over 12 weeks.
New to our Health Referral Schemes? Read more about our programme and approach by clicking the button below.
Finding the Right Fit for You
Every condition on our list comes with its own criteria, because safe, effective exercise looks different for everyone. Some programmes depend on how well a condition is currently managed, others on the stage of recovery you’re at, and some simply need a conversation with our team to understand what will help most.
That’s exactly why every referral begins with an initial consultation rather than jumping straight into a session. One of our qualified health professionals will go through your medical history with you, talk through what you’re hoping to achieve, and help you understand which programme is the right starting point.
If you’re not sure whether your condition is listed, or you’re managing more than one thing at once, please get in touch. Our team can talk you through what’s available and help you find the right path forward, whatever stage you’re at.
Conditions We Support
Varying stages of disability accepted; patient must be able to transfer from a wheelchair or attend with a carer.
Diagnosed high blood pressure, providing it’s controlled.
Post-heart attack and following phase 3 cardiac rehab, or pre-surgery (e.g. bypass/stents).
Blood glucose must be below 15 mmol/L to exercise.
Blood sugar below 7 should not exercise.
For anyone wanting to improve mobility, balance, strength, and confidence to stay independent for longer, regardless of a specific diagnosis.
(COPD/Long Covid)
Varying stages accepted.
Support for musculoskeletal, bone, joint, and mobility conditions to help you move more freely.
Varying stages accepted.
(anxiety, low mood, depression)
Studio-based small group sessions and Community Garden sessions.
BMI 25–39.9, studio-based small group training.
How It Works
The Cost
As a charity, we subsidise these schemes and only ask for a minimal contribution towards running costs. Where funding allows, some places are fully sponsored — please ask us about eligibility.