ACTIVE HEALTH

A Guide to Active Health Programmes in North Lanarkshire

North Lanarkshire Councils Active Health Programme has an established and strong  partnership with NHS Lanarkshire providing a range of supported programmes to help individuals become more active. Both organisations recognise that people with minor health issues and those with more long term conditions can benefit from the many health related opportunities available in local gyms and community settings. This could be from participation in a group exercise session or by attending the gym for an individualised programme. Being active is well evidenced in terms of the positive effects on not only physical health but also mental health and overall wellbeing.

The programme is delivered in two main ways:

A General Programme where individuals can access the mainstream health and fitness programmes running within North Lanarkshire Council venues and a Specialist Health Class Programme which is available to individuals who require additional specialised support to take part in activity.

The programmes are for anyone who would benefit from:

• a reduction in sedentary behaviour
• increasing their activity levels
• support in taking part in activity due to a particular long term health condition.

Both strands of the programme are by referral and if you are seeking a referral please email Activehelthreferrals@northlan.gov.uk for advice about who can make this referral for you.

Active Health – General Programme

This element of the programme is for individuals who are able to exercise independently and who may have a range of low risk health issues. These issues could be general physical inactivity, low mood, requirement to improve mobility, support for addiction challenges etc.

The programme is available in all North Lanarkshire Leisure venues and participation in this part of the programme is offered free of charge for an 12 week period, incorporating unlimited use of the swimming pools, fitness gyms and group fitness classes. Individuals will also receive a gym induction to gain an understanding of how to use the various pieces of gym equipment available.

At the end of the 12 weeks, individuals may opt to join the Access NL Membership Scheme or pay per session as they attend the venues.

Specialist Health Classes - Active4Life

Our Active4Life specialist health classes are split into a number of levels to accommodate specific abilities. These classes are led by our level 4 group fitness instructors. The classes offer a community based supported programme of evidence based exercise following a clinical based intervention or rehabilitation period. Our knowledgeable group fitness instructors will move people across the class levels as they improve or for maintenance purposes. The conditions listed below are not exhaustive, please contact us if you have a condition not on the list and we will advise you which class level would suit your needs best – Activehealthreferrals@northlan.gov.uk

Weight Management Programmes

With the levels of the adult Scottish population who are overweight/obese continually rising, a range of specific programmes have been developed to support individuals manage their weight.

Weigh to Go

Weigh to Go is a 15 week supported weight management programme being run in conjunction with NHS Lanarkshire.

The courses take a 3 stage approach to weight management by addressing:

• Education around healthy eating
• Behavioural change
• Physical activity

Each class lasts 1hr and 30mins and is split into a 45min educational and behavioural change section followed by 45mins of physical activity.

Weigh to Go is provided free of charge for the first 15 sessions.

Courses are restricted to 15 per session so pre booking is advisable.

Courses run at most Active NL Venues and up to date class details can be found by visiting: WEIGH TO GO

For more information contact:

Melanie Menzies
Health & Wellbeing Manager
Tel: 01236 341969
Email: menziesmel@northlan.gov.uk