Pembrokeshire Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS)
Supporting You Towards a Healthier Lifestyle
The National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) is a Welsh Government-funded programme designed to support individuals who are currently inactive or living with one or more mild to moderate medical conditions—or those at risk of developing them. The scheme also provides rehabilitation support for individuals with chronic conditions.
NERS is managed by Public Health Wales in partnership with Pembrokeshire Leisure, offering a valuable, supportive service throughout the county.
Who Can Refer?
Referrals are accepted from NHS or Public Health Wales professionals, including:
- General Practitioners (GPs)
- Practice Nurses
- Physiotherapists
- Specialist Nurses
Referral Pathways Offered in Pembrokeshire:
- Generic – for musculoskeletal conditions
- Weight Management – including support for those at risk of or diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Falls Prevention
- Back Care
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Cancer Rehabilitation
How Does It Work?
If your health professional believes that exercise could benefit your health, they can refer you to the scheme. Once referred, you will be invited to a consultation at your local leisure centre with one of our qualified Exercise Professionals.
What Happens at the Consultation?
During your first appointment, your Exercise Professional will:
- Review your health history
- Carry out basic health checks
- Discuss appropriate activities based on your condition and goals
You’ll then begin a fun, supportive programme designed to help you become more active and improve your overall wellbeing.
Types of Sessions Offered:
We provide face-to-face gym, water-based, and circuit sessions at leisure centres across Pembrokeshire. Activities are adapted to suit individual needs and abilities.
When Can I Attend?
Sessions are scheduled throughout the week, including evenings and weekends, offering flexibility to fit your lifestyle. Your Exercise Professional will help create a tailored timetable just for you.
Programme Duration:
The referral programme lasts 16 weeks, during which you can attend as many sessions as you wish.
Costs:
- Pay-per-session: £3.00 or;
- Exercise Referral Membership: £23.10 per month (includes access to sessions across the county)
What Should I Wear?
There’s no need for special clothing—just wear something comfortable. We recommend flat, supportive footwear, such as trainers.
Do I Need to Be Fit to Join?
Absolutely not. Our programme is designed to support all fitness levels. Activities are tailored to your personal needs and medical condition.
What Happens After the 16 Weeks?
At the end of your programme, you’ll have a follow-up appointment to review your progress and discuss options for continuing your activity levels long-term.
Here is some of the amazing feedback that we have received:
“My experience of the NHS referral program at Fishguard leisure centre and Ian Smith has been top notch. When I started in January, I was at very low point due to my slow recovery from partial knee replacement. I suffered pain and tightness in the joint and had very little range of motion. Ian is very professional and supportive. He has good one on one relationships with all his clients. Over the last four months I have improved range of motion and strength and now am building confidence to challenge my movements and return to my previous activities. My score for the program is 100%.”
“The whole programme was brilliant. It effectively picked me up from a very demotivated state and gave me new energy and motivation. The link between the NHS Physio and the programme was amazing as t translated all the areas of improvement that the physio has suggested into practical exercise. MY fitness both physical and mental was transformed and the strengthening exercise improves my movement and posture amazingly. As a result, I am now doing 3-4 hours a day of hard manual labour outside and although I still need a hip replacement, I am managing well. Although I maybe a bit typical for the programme as I'm relatively young and in goodish health, I was at risk of terminal decline and the programme stopped that. The programme and Toms skilled approach were transformative, and I also saw many other people getting the same benefit as me. As a Social Care Professional, I came into regular contact with people who were experiencing similar processes of losing confidence and physical capacity and a programme like this would have really helped them and would have reduced their need for support in the process.”
“The Exercise Referral Classes have been instrumental in his recovery after his stroke. His mobility, balance and coordination has really improved to a level we really thought he would never achieve. Without your help, amazing knowledge and passion not to mention your endless patience and commitment. I don't know where we would have been. Attending your classes on a weekly basis, mixing with other people in the same boat has also really helped his mental state. The psychological effects after a stoke are not really talked about much. Attending has really helped Wayne to feel he's not alone.”