Physical Activity Referral Scheme at Council Leisure Centres

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in partnership with the Public Health Agency is facilitating the delivery of the Physical Activity Referral Scheme (PARS) at each Council leisure centre across the district area. PARS is a 12-week programme which is free to participants.

Sessions operate at various times and are facilitated by fully qualified staff to help clients reach their programme aims and objectives. Clients can be referred to PARS by a relevant health professional or their GP provided they meet the inclusion criteria;

Clients must be aged 19 years or over and inactive, i.e. not currently meeting the physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week and motivated to change.

In addition to this, clients must be overweight or obese and have one or more of the following;

– Hypertension;
– Hyperlipidaemia;
– Impaired glucose levels or diabetes;
– Family history of heart disease;
– Asthmas;
– Bronchitis or COPD;
– or mild to moderate mental health conditions.

Speaking about the programme, Chairperson of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Siobhán Currie said;

“One of the key themes of the Fermanagh and Omagh Community Plan and indeed the Council’s Corporate Plan is to look after the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of all the people of the district. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to continue work with key stakeholders such as the Public Health Agency to increase exercise participation amongst residents across the district. I would encourage anyone who has not yet taken part in the PARS programme and who meets the inclusion criteria to visit their GP or health professional to discuss their application to participate at their preferred leisure centre location”.

Colette Brolly, the PHA’s lead on physical activity said;

“It’s important to be physically active and, combined with eating healthily, this can help us age well and feel good. Regular physical activity will help keep the heart and lungs working efficiently, maintain a healthy weight, keep muscles and bones strong, and help reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions including some cancers and Type 2 diabetes. Being more physically active can also help to reduce anxiety and stress.”

For further information regarding PARS please contact Chris Elliott by telephone on 0300 303 1777, (all calls charged at local rate), textphone on 028 8225 6216, by email at chris.elliott@fermanaghomagh.com or visit the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council website at www.fermanaghomagh.com