Physical Activity Referral
The physical activity referral service (PARS) in Manchester is delivered by Manchester Active. There are many reasons you might be referred to Manchester Active PARS. It could relate to your physical or mental health or both.
You would be referred by a professional who is familiar with you and your health barrier, and who feels that increased activity levels could improve your health. After a referral is made, one of three pathways will be recommended.
You will find PARS services delivered in your local Better Leisure Centres.
For more information on the full health referral pathway, click the link below. For health professionals looking to make a referral, the referral form is available via this link.
MCR Active PARS Pathway 1
PARS pathway 1 offers specialist support and physical activity opportunities for people living with long term health conditions that require a tailored delivery approach.
Why would you be referred?
You would be referred because your doctor or your healthcare professional feels that your health will benefit if you are more active in your everyday life.
What happens after your appointment?
Following the appointment you will attend local exercise classes or other activity sessions as discussed and agreed at your initial appointment with the Physical Activity Referral Officer and it is expected that you will attend these sessions for a minimum of 12 weeks.
Eligibility for Pathway 1
- Asthma
- Cancer
- COPD
- Coronary Heart Disease
- Cardiovascular Disease (stroke, TIA, AF)
- Chronic Fatigue
- Diabetes (T1)
- Risk of falls or frailty
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoarthritis
- Peripheral Arterial Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
MCR Active PARS Pathway 2
PARS Pathway 2 is for those needing more time or confidence in attending the gym or attending an open community session.
Sessions often have smaller numbers and are delivered by qualified instructors across the city in community venues.
You will also find some Basics fitness classes delivered across Better Leisure Centres which are suitable for customers on this pathway.
Why would you be referred?
You would be referred because your doctor or your healthcare professional feels that your health will benefit if you are more active in your everyday life.
Eligibility for Pathway 2
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Deconditioning
- Depression
- Diabetes (Pre and T2)
- Loneliness and isolation
- Osteoporosis
- Risk of a condition under Pathway 1
- Stress
- Weight Management
MCR Active PARS Pathway 3
Pathway 3 is for anyone looking to improve their health and wellbeing but with no serious ongoing health conditions and low risk of developing any in the near future.
Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, and helps with weight management.
It also enhances mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, boosting mood, and improving sleep and cognitive function.
Additionally, exercise increases self-esteem, promotes social interaction, and can extend lifespan, contributing to overall well-being.
You will find a range of activities suitable for all ages at our leisure centres that will benefit your health and wellbeing including swimming, gym and fitness classes, cycling, sailing, tennis and much more!
We also run an extensive targeted activity programme for following user groups
- Senior activities
- Women and girls
- Juniors and Under 5s
- Inclusive activities
HEALTHWISE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME
Our healthwise programme is a maintenance service for those that have completed the Pathway 1, twelve week programme with Manchester Active.
Your Physical Activity Referral Officer will discuss your progression options with you at the end of your twelve week programme. Whether that be accessing sessions within the community or being referred through to the Better Healthwise maintenance programme.
The healthwise maintenance programme will support you to maintain healthy activity habits and continue to manage your condition through a bespoke physical activity programme with the support of a fully qualified Healthwise Instructor.
Meet Chris
Meet Clive
Healthwise Classes
Our healthwise fitness classes are low-intensity, low impact group fitness classes delivered by our Healthwise Instructors. To attend you must be on a Healthwise membership.
Abraham Moss - Wednesdays 09:45am - 10:30am Book here
Arcadia - Thursdays 13.00-22.00 Book here
East Manchester - Mondays 11.00am - 11.45am Book here
Hough End - Mondays 14.15pm - 15.00pm Book here
Moss Side - Fridays 11.00am - 12.00pm Book here
North City - Thursdays 13.00pm - 13.45pm Book here
Social Prescribing
What is social prescribing?
Social prescribing is a healthcare approach where doctors, healthcare professionals or organisations providing support services refer patients or service users to non-medical services and community resources.
Referrals can include activities such as excercise classes, arts, activities, vilunteering opportunities and support groups, to improve their overal health and wellbeing.
This approach aims to address the social, emotional and practical needs of the patients or service usrs recognising that these factors can significantly impact health outcomes.
Referrals from Manchester organisations supporting Manchester residents will be considered, the person being referred may then be eligible for the Give-It-A-Go programme.
What is Give-It-A-Go?
Give It A Go is here to help you take that first step to being more healthy or your first steps after being away from physical activity for a period of time. It’s never too late and before you know it, you’ll wonder why you waited so long!
The Give it A Go programme supports you to become more physically active. Following a referral from the GP, a social prescriber or as part of a community group, you'll be given a six week programme with a range of tailored activities to simply give it a go. At the end of the six weeks, you'll feel more confident to find the right activities to keep you moving.
Give-It-A-Go-Membership
Give-It-A-Go 6 Week Membership
Cost: £30.00
Access Times: Full Centre Opening Hours
What's included?
- Ask the instructor gym sessions
- Gym sessions
- Fitness classes
- Swim sessions
- Court bookings
- No strings badminton sessions
Give-It-A-Go Off-Peak 6 Week Membership
Cost: £25.00
Access Times: 9am - 16pm Weekdays, After 13.00pm Weekends.
What's included: Activities listed above, but at off peak times only
Please note, the membership is only available once per customer. Following the six weeks we can discuss progression options based on the activities you enjoyed.
To make a referral for a service user or patient, please use the link below