Referral Scheme

Start-Up and ExSite are the City Council’s Exercise Referral Schemes for local residents. The scheme provides exercise for people with medical conditions, whose health would benefit from leading a more active lifestyle. The scheme can benefit a wide variety of conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, mobility problems, depression and cardiac conditions.

Start up or ExSite

Clients who wish to access the scheme will be eligible to join one of two exercise referral schemes within Cambridge City: 1/ Start-up or 2/ ExSite.
The client's reason for referral will determine as to whether the client is eligible for either the Start-Up or ExSite services.

Clients who are considered to have a "higher risk" category of medical condition will be able to access the Start-Up service at either Chesterton or the Abbey sports complex.

Clients who are considered to have a "lower risk" category of medical condition will be able to access the ExSite referral service which is available at the Abbey, Chesterton, Kelsey Kerridge and Hills Road sports centres and will be run by centre employed staff, in partnership with Cambridge City Council.

A wide variety of classes are available on both Start Up and ExSite including Aqua Mobility, Gym Sessions, Pilates and Exercise to Music.

Getting a Referral

The referral process begins with a GP, nurse or other health professional referring those patients who would benefit from structured supervised exercise to the scheme. The referral form below must be completed and signed by the health professional. You must bring this with you to your first appointment.

At your first appointment you will be taken through a thorough medical questionnaire and health assessment. The scheme will be explained in greater detail and any questions or concerns answered. The information gathered will allow an exercise programme to be designed that will meet your specific needs.

The scheme runs for 12 weeks. Reassessments are set both at six weeks and 12 weeks after the initial appointment as a motivational tool, whereby you are taken through the same health assessment as at the start and further targets are set.

After 12 weeks you will discuss your progress with the Instructor who will report back to your doctor, practice nurse or health practitioner.

Contact Details

If you wish to join either Start Up or ExSite you will need to get the referral form, which you can download above, completed by your GP or health professional and then call 01223 458634 to book your first appointment.

For further information about Start up and ExSite contact Helen Johnston.