How to get referred to the active lifestyles service
Are you worried about your health? Struggling to get active and don’t know where to start? If you live in Central Bedfordshire, speak to your GP or health professional about an active lifestyles referral.
What is an active lifestyles referral?
Active lifestyles referrals help people that are currently sedentary or inactive and have a health condition or other health risk factors to become more physically active. GPs and other healthcare professionals can refer individuals who they feel would benefit from being more physically active and help their medical conditions.
Whether you are completely new to sport or physical activity or would like to do a little more each day, our active lifestyles team can help. The scheme offers you motivation, advice and support that may help you to improve your current health and wellbeing.
How does it work?
After your GP or healthcare professional has referred you, a member of our active lifestyles team will contact you and arrange a consultation.
The scheme involves regular consultations where together you can explore your personal pathway, looking at programmes or services that appeal to you and the ones that will suit your lifestyle.
Our team can support you for as little or as long as you need – up to a year if it helps. We can signpost and encourage you make healthier lifestyle changes and by working closely with a number of leisure centres and services across Central Bedfordshire you are able to benefit from the expertise available.
You will also have the opportunity to complete a body composition assessment to help track your progress.
Am I eligible?
You can ask your GP to refer you to active lifestyles if you are over 18, and live in Central Bedfordshire and are registered with a GP.
You must also:
- be inactive or
- be at risk of developing certain illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease or
- have an existing health condition such as diabetes, osteoporosis, depression or other conditions (your GP or health professional will know which conditions are eligible for the programme)
I’m interested, how do I join?
You need to be referred by your GP or health professional, so speak to your GP and they will know how to get you on board.
Once you have been referred we will contact you within two weeks of receiving the referral and talk you through the next steps.
For more information about active lifestyles referrals contact:
Telephone: 0300 300 6372 or 0300 300 5125
Email: active.lifestyles@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk