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What is the National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS)?

The scheme is aimed at encouraging individuals who are currently inactive in participating in sport as part of a preventative or rehabilitation programme.

NERS (IS)
The exercise referral scheme offered by Swansea Council is part of the national exercise referral program (funded by Welsh Government).

The scheme works in partnership with health professionals in Swansea including local GPs, practice nurses, dieticians, physiotherapists, diabetic nurses, psychologists and occupational therapists.

Through the scheme, we are able to offer a variety of programmes that health professionals can refer into. These include:

  • exercise referral
  • falls prevention
  • cardiac rehabilitation
  • pulmonary rehabilitation
  • exercise after stroke
  • cancer rehabilitation
  • weight management programme 

The referral scheme lasts around 16 weeks depending on the referral reason and is delivered across our five leisure centres, the LC as well as selected community centres throughout Swansea.

Clients who are referred onto the scheme will get a chance to take part in a range of activities which include chair based sessions, fitness classes, Nordic walking and gym sessions. These classes last up to an hour (approximately) and are delivered in small groups of people.

The GP referral instructors offer:

  • one to one or group assessments
  • highly qualified professional staff
  • community based sessions
  • advice and guidance

Once clients have completed their programme they will be given the option to continue their personalised programme at a reduced rate.

All exercise classes are priced at £2.50 a session.

Benefits of the National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS)

All sessions are group based with people with similar conditions and fitness levels by experienced, fully qualified members of staff in a friendly environment.

There are a number of benefits of taking part in the scheme including:

  • becoming more active
  • improving lifestyle
  • weight management
  • better mental health 
  • improved respiratory system
  • improved circulation
  • improved posture and mobility and reduced joint pain
  • improved strength and muscle tone
  • social interaction and meeting new people
  • developing confidence
  • quality of life
  • improved physical, psychological and well being
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