Our Exercise by Referral scheme runs at all four centres and aims to increase exercise and activity for people who want to improve their health. It is aimed at people who currently do either no or very little physical activity but who are motivated to do more.

To participate in the scheme, you must be aged over 18 and make an appointment with your GP who will decide with you whether you can be referred to the scheme. You may see other health professionals such as practice nurses, weight management advisors, stop smoking advisors, community mental health staff, hospital staff, physiotherapist – and they can also refer you.

Once you have been referred, we will contact you by letter to arrange your first 1:1 appointment to talk about your referral and plan an exercise programme that is best suited for you and your personal needs and interests with realistic goals agreed. Activities can include, gym, swimming, low impact circuit training, cardiac rehabilitation, chair based exercise and forever active. Other activities are available but are chargeable at a pay-as-you-go rate.

The scheme will last for a 12-week period and a development record will be issued to you so you can record your activity sessions. You will also be given an activity leaflet which will provide all the essential information about where you can attend group sessions, supervised classes and any of the individual activities on offer.

Patients are able to complete a referral onto the programme through the Live Life Better Derbyshire website.

 

Exercise by Referral (EbR) Changes from 1^st September 2026

North East Derbyshire District Council’s Exercise by Referral scheme is changing from 1 September 2026 as part of a 12-month pilot.

 

What’s Changing?

The previous 12 weeks of free access will no longer be available. Instead, referred patients can access activities through:

• Supersaver Membership: £23 per month
• Concessionary Pay as You Go (PAYG) rates

All referrals made from 12 July 2026 onwards will follow the new model.

 

What’s Included? 

The Exercise by Referral programme supports people to become more active and improve their health through access to:

• Gym
• Swimming
• Chair-Based Exercise
• Low-Impact Circuits
• Dicky Tickers
• Cardio Club
• Forever Active
• Community activities, including walking groups and volunteering opportunities

 

Patient Benefits

Participants receive:

• Free gym induction
• Personalised exercise programme
• Support from Healthy Lifestyles Instructors
• 12-month concessionary membership
• Access to all NEDDC leisure centres
• Up to 20 fitness classes per week

 

Reward for Regular Attendance

Attend 10 sessions within the first 8 weeks and receive a free 4-week Supersaver Membership.

 

Concessionary PAYG Prices

• £5 annual concessionary membership fee
• Fitness classes: £3.95
• Swimming: £3.35
• Gym: £4.65

 

Important Information

• Patients must be referred within the district or borough where they live.
• The scheme remains subsidised by North East Derbyshire District Council.
• Free community-based physical activity options are also available for those who prefer not to join a paid programme

 

For more information, please contact the Admin Team Suzanne.Smith@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk or Lisa.Haselhan@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk

or a member of the Healthy Lifestyles Team on HLI.CCA@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk