Physical Activity Referral Scheme (PARS) – SHSCT area

PARS is a physical activity referral programme. If you meet the required criteria, your GP can refer you to your local leisure centre for discounted health membership and advice on getting and staying active. PARS is a programme delivered in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Public Health Agency as part of the Be Active for Health initiative. PARS is designed for people with health-related conditions who may benefit from prescribed physical activity, under the guidance of qualified exercise professionals.
PARS provides the following:
• 12 weeks access to PARS condition specific classes
• 12 weeks access to the Council’s fitness suite, pool and health suite
• 12 week access to Be Active classes
• Ongoing support and guidance to help manage your condition
The Physical Activity Referral Scheme is available in the following Leisure Centres:
• Orchard leisure centre
• Cookstown Leisure Centre
• Dungannon Leisure Centre
• Banbridge Leisure Centre
• South Lakes Leisure Centre
• Newry Leisure Centre
• Downpatrick Leisure Centre
• Kilkeel Leisure Centre
• Newcastle Centre
Contact your GP or health care professional who will assess your suitability to join PARS. They will then complete an online referral form through the Trust’s CCG electronic referral system and this will be sent directly to your exercise professional. Your exercise professional will then contact you initially through the council’s text messaging system to make your first appointment and to register you onto the scheme. For people aged 18 and over. Cost: Anyone aged 18 and over who currently has one or more of the following conditions:; • High blood pressure • controlled diabetes or a strong family history of diabetes; • Heart disease or risk factors associated with coronary heart disease; • Anxiety; stress; depression and controlled mental health problems; • Overweight or obese; • Well-controlled lung problems such as asthma; bronchitis or COPD; • Mild to moderate joint problems such as osteoporosis; • Another condition that does not prevent you taking part in physical activity.