The exercise referral programme provides opportunities for people who are not very physically active and with health conditions to become more active. Being physically active is great for almost everyone. Physical activity can help with the management of many illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension and obesity.
There are different exercise referral options depending upon your health and risk factors, see below to find out which route could be best for you.
| Exercise risk level | Referral programmes | Programme details | Referral process |
| High Risk People with conditions requiring specialist support such as post heart attack. | Action Heart – Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre | This is a supervised referral only, based at Russell’s Hall Hospital. It provides a free, gym based, 12 week programme. | Referral from your GP. |
| Moderate Risk People who are not physically active and possess less than three health risk factors. | Your Health Dudley (Lifestyle service) | Referral only offer, 12 week programme combining nutrition and lifestyle advice with physical activity. | Either from your GP/health professional or self-referral via the Your Health Dudley website. |
| Dudley Council Leisure Centres – Steps to Health | Referral only offer, discounted leisure membership to encourage sedentary people into activity. | Referral from your GP/health professional. | |
| Healthy Hubs, Park Activator service | Free support and group exercise sessions in local parks. | Referral from your GP/health professional. | |
| Low Risk People who only possess one health risk factor. | Dudley Council Leisure Centres – Steps to Health | Referral only offer, discounted leisure membership to encourage sedentary people into activity. | Referral from your GP/health professional. |
| Healthy Hubs, Park Activator service | Free support and group exercise sessions in local parks. | Referral from your GP/health professional. |
Most health conditions won’t stop you from being active, if you are concerned talk to your GP but there are lots of free physical activity opportunities in the borough. Why not look at our Move More page.