Health & Wellbeing
Enhancing Community Health
Supporting those living with long term health conditions
Our dedicated instructors lead over 100 health and wellbeing classes each week, helping more than 1,000 participants on their journeys to improved health. The programmes offer more than physical activity – they are a thriving community where participants build meaningful connections through shared experiences.
Our Health and Wellbeing programme is a cornerstone of our commitment to community wellness. Please consider making a donation through our partner, Givey. Your support makes a real difference and helps us maintain and expand our Active Options classes.
Who We Support
Our programmes support individuals in Fife living with long-term health conditions such as cancer, arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and respiratory conditions to be active. Our Active Options classes help enhance mobility, manage pain, regulate blood pressure, control weight, and address various other health concerns.
Referral Process
To participate in these classes, you must be referred or self-referred. Your doctor or health professional can refer you, or you can refer yourself.
Personalised Support
Once referred, a member of the Health and Wellbeing team from Fife Sports and Leisure Trust will contact you. They will discuss your needs, understand what is most important to you, and help you identify the right class. This ensures a personalised and hassle-free experience. Our programmes are tailored to individual requirements, providing a supportive and friendly environment.
How To Refer
Self-Referral
Please click here for our self-referral form or speak with your healthcare provider.
For Healthcare Providers
If you are a healthcare professional interested in learning more about the Active Options adaptive exercise programme, how to refer patients, or collaborate on our “Together We Can” outreach campaign, please reach out to our team:
- Email: HealthWellbeing@fifeleisure.org.uk
- Telephone: 01383 602209
Active for Health
A small group-based programme for people with long-term health conditions who want to be more physically active and would like initial support and a personalised physical activity plan before moving on to independent exercise.
This programme is suitable for people who can use gym equipment and wish to have support for 12 weeks to help them become independently active.
Participants will attend a group session with no more than 10 people.
The instructor will work with each person to develop a 12-week exercise plan so the individual feels confident and supported to transition to independent exercise on completion.
During the 12 weeks, participants will be introduced to the gym team to increase their confidence within the gym environment.
Active Circuit
A group-based programme for people with long-term health conditions who wish to be physically active, as part of a larger social group, with support from an instructor.
The aim is to improve/maintain endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility. This session will be delivered as a circuit class.
The session will involve a 15-minute standing warm-up or machine-based warm-up, depending on which facility the class is held, and a 10-minute cool down.
Depending on the venue, the circuit will have a mixture of equipment, such as bikes, rowing machines, step boards, weights, and therapy bands. Alternative exercises will be given if a participant is unable to use any particular piece of equipment.
Some sessions will be held within circuit gyms, where participants can use equipment such as treadmills and cross trainers.
Participants will only be able to use this equipment if they can get on and off the equipment safely and unaided.
Active Strength and Balance
A group, chair-based programme for people with long-term health conditions who wish to be physically active, as part of a larger social group, with support from an instructor.
The aim is to improve/maintain the participant’s strength, balance, mobility, and ability to perform functional tasks to help with daily living.
Sessions will be delivered as a standing session with chairs for assistance and may include a circuit-type structure.
If a client progresses or regresses, they will be offered a class that better suits their needs.
Minimal equipment will be used within the circuit, e.g., therapy bands, weights, and chairs.
Active Move
A small group-based programme specifically for people living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis:
- This programme is suitable for anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis
- Participants will attend a group session with no more than 10 people.
The instructor will work with each person to create a tailored physical activity programme to suit their needs.
Participants can attend for 12 weeks.
On completion, participants are invited to join the Active Strength and Balance, Active Circuit or Active for Health Programmes.
Active Back-Care
A small group-based programme for people who have been referred with chronic back pain:
Participants will attend a group session with no more than 10 people.
The programme will include various exercises aimed at restoring function and easing pain.
Our expert instructors will also provide each participant with a 9 exercise home programme to use daily helping to maintain and/or increase mobility.
Active Stability
A group-based programme for people who have had a fall or are at risk of falling: The programme is delivered by Postural Stability Instructors and runs for 16 weeks. The programme will include dynamic balance, strength and functional floor activities and aims to include bone loading, power, flexibility, postural and gait training, and supported endurance work. Exercises will be tailored to meet the needs of each individual participant.
Meet The Team
-
Fiona Prendergast
Health & Wellbeing Manager
-
Jamie Mason
Health & Wellbeing Co-ordinator
-
Louise Mckay
Health & Wellbeing Co-ordinator
-
Gavin Keith
Health & Wellbeing Advisor
-
Susan Wilson
Health & Wellbeing Advisor
-
Lawrence Mitchell
Health & Wellbeing Advisor
-
Ruth Salmond
Health & Wellbeing Advisor
-
Agnes Mehaffey
Health & Wellbeing Administrator
-
Katerina Kubienova
Health & Wellbeing Instructor
-
Natalia Kucharczyk
Health & Wellbeing Instructor
#TogetherWeCan
We want to reach out to Health and Social Care, Fife Council, and Third and Independent Sector professionals to inform you about the range of health and wellbeing programmes on offer to support patients. Physical activity provides a range of physical and mental health benefits, and we offer a variety of programmes that meet people’s needs.
FAQs
Is there a cost to attend the classes?
Yes, the participation fee is between £4.00 to £4.20. We do not receive external funding for our health programme, so this fee helps cover staff expenses.
Is transport to the leisure centre provided?
Unfortunately, we cannot provide transport. However, many participants use the Ring & Ride bus service to travel to and from the class.
What if I can’t attend a class due to holidays or appointments?
If you know in advance that you will miss a class, please inform your instructor. We understand that you may not be able to attend every week for various reasons. For extended absences, we may need to offer your spot to someone on the waiting list. You can rejoin the programme by self-referring at any time.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat footwear. It is also a good idea to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated!
Who else will be in the class?
All participants have been referred by a health professional or have self-referred due to a health condition. You will be placed in a class that best suits your needs.
Can I bring a family member or friend for support?
Yes, you can bring someone for support. If they are not participating in the class, they do not need to pay for the session. However, if they wish to join the class, they will also need to pay the session fee.
Are the health and wellbeing classes included in the membership?
Yes, our health and wellbeing classes are included in the club membership! This membership provides access to all of our venues and facilities across Fife, including fitness classes, gyms, health suites, pools, and more. We aim to encourage people to be more active and make use of these comprehensive facilities.