The Somerset Exercise Referral Scheme offers activities for those with a diagnosed medical condition. Health Professionals can refer people who will benefit from a personalised physical activity programme to the GP Exercise Referral Scheme. There are over 30 recognised leisure providers in Somerset that are accredited to deliver exercise on referral. Venues include leisure centres, gyms, swimming pools and community venues.  The range of activities available depends on the individual’s health needs and what is offered by the local accredited leisure provider. All programmes will be designed to meet individual needs and may include gym based exercises, walking, swimming, exercise classes, Tai Chi and other activities. Most importantly the activity will be at the user’s own pace.  The cost of the GP Exercise Referral Scheme will vary between leisure providers. The number of sessions can last between 8 and 16 weeks.  To get a referral, a patient will need to make an appointment to see a Health Professional who will determine if they meet the eligibility criteria that the scheme requires. If they do, they will complete a referral from and hand this to the patient. The patient will then decide which accredited leisure provider they would like to attend.

A list of Exercise Referral providers can be found here

The monthly peer support group will be an opportunity for you to make friends and meet others who know what you are going through. It will be a place where you can share top tips, set goals and support one another. Each session will have 15 minutes of group education on topics like sleep, relaxation, exercise, connecting and other topics that the group might want. Last Tuesday of the month. 2pm-2. 45pm. Frome Medical Practice. You can drop in for just one session or come regularly. No need to book.

Drop in to be weighed at Frome Medical Practice, the scales are opposite the Patient Information Area. A Health Connector will be there on Tuesdays from 2:45pm-3:00pm to weigh people who are interested in weight management. You could also take the opportunity to use the blood pressure monitor at the same time.

Shepton Mallet parkrun is a 5km run every Saturday at 9am. We all run for our own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace! We’re friendly! Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in the Collett Park Café – please come and join us! The event takes place at Collett Park, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5PJ. Free but please register before your first run. Only ever register with parkrun once. Don’t forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time. Please be aware that dogs are not allowed at this event.

Southwick County parkrun is a 5km run every Saturday  at 9am. We all run for our own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace! We’re friendly! Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in the Squirrel’s Tearoom Cafe – please come and join us! The event takes place at Southwick Country Park, Frome Road, Southwick, Nr Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 9QD.

Runners wishing to run with a dog are welcome, but please keep the dog on a short lead or harness and under control throughout the event. Please also review the parkrun support page article about running with a dog at parkrun events. Runners pushing buggies are also welcome, but please take extreme care of other runners around you. If possible start from the back of the field and try to keep to one side of the main body of runners.

These gentle exercise classes are held at  – Wells Town Hall, Market Place, Wells, BA5 2RB Tuesdays 10.00am -11.00am  and Tor Leisure, Glastonbury BA6 8ED Wednesdays 10.30am – 11.30am

Cost: £4.00

Supported by Age UK.

SASP (Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership) is a website that you can visit for a list of exercise classes & sports activities in Somerset.

On Track is a goal setting group service. Come along to these friendly peer led groups where you can join people who are setting goals that might improve their health and wellbeing. Get support and support others, get on track and have a chat over a cup of tea. On Track groups usually take place every two weeks; please contact us on 01373 468368 for specific dates.

On Track services:

Frome Every other Tuesday, 10.00am to 11.00am – Frome Medical Practice, Enos Way, BA11 1FH

Shepton Mallet Every other Monday, 10.30am to 12.00pm – The Brasserie, 64 High Street, Shepton Mallet BA4 5AX

Street Every other Friday, 3.00pm to 4.30pm – Fondo Lounge, 107 High St, Street BA16 0EY

A grass-roots charity in Somerset which aims to re-connect people with the social, health and environmental effects of growing, buying, preparing and eating local food.

An NHS Health Check can help you identify potential risks early and give you personalised advice so you can take action to reduce your chances of developing these health problems.

You can have an NHS Health Check if:

• you are aged between 40 and 74
• you have not been diagnosed with heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or had a stroke
• you have not had an NHS Health Check in the last 5 years.

See website or call to book a Health Check.