Activity on Prescription (AOP) is a scheme that allows professionals to refer people who are in need of support to get involved in physical activity, lose weight or improve their mental health.
We work with GP Surgeries, NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Health and Active Rehabilitation Programme (HARP) and health professionals to deliver a range of activities to help people living with long term conditions be active and manage their health.
We have classes that suit all abilities and can help you make a positive change in your life.
Referral
When we receive your referral from the GP or health professional, we will contact you to arrange a consultation. Once we have completed the questionnaires or carried out the assessments we need to, we will refer you on to your classes where you will be met by one of the members of the Community Health Activity Team (CHAT).
To be eligible for the programme you must be either:
- living with a long term medical condition
- not meeting the UK Chief Medical Officer guidelines for activity
The UK Chief Medical guidelines show that you should aim to be active for 150 minutes or more every week. That works out at 30 minutes over five days.
UK Government: Physical activity guidelines
Top tips to be more active
Starting activity can be as simple as doing some exercises in the home, going for a walk or looking out your bike can. Our top tips would be:
- find an activity you enjoy so it doesn’t seem like a chore
- split your activity up over the course of a day, you don’t have to do it all at once
- start off slow and build up
- remember, some is good, more is better
- have a goal in your head before you start as this helps you stay motivated
- remember to drink plenty of water, aiming for two litres of water per day
AOP programme
The classes that we deliver as part of the AOP programme are listed below.
Invigor8
This is our Falls Prevention programme. Our staff have been trained by specialists at Later Life Training.
Our Invigor8 classes follow a research based falls prevention programme which has been proven to reduce the number of falls in the elderly.
Participants who have been experiencing frequent falls or those at risk off falls which includes those diagnosed with Osteoporosis are referred to us by health professionals or they can also self-refer to classes.
The classes work on improving muscle strength and balance for participants and also teach them a safe way to get back up from the floor should they have a fall.
An increase in confidence levels is reported by those who attend and substantial improvements in balance and strength are also noted when the participants are reassessed at a later date.
Cardiac rehab class
An exercise class designed for the rehabilitation of people who have experienced cardiac events and subsequent treatment. Led by BACPR (British Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation) qualified instructors.
Pilates
This is an exercise class that focuses on developing to core strengthening and flexibility. It can be a good class for rehabilitation after injury and help improve your recovery. It can also help with improving your posture.
Reduced rate/supported gym access
Participants referred through the Activity on Prescription programme can access reduced prices for a number of gyms and swimming pools throughout East Ayrshire. Clients referred through recovery services are able to access certain East Ayrshire Leisure gyms free of charge.
HARP (Healthy Rehabilitation Programme)
Circuit style class including a range of resistance and cardiovascular exercises. Suitable for people with a range of health conditions such as Arthritis, Heart Disease and Diabetes and for those looking to increase activity levels and manage weight.
Preventing falls
For information and advice about preventing falls and how to deal with them, visit preventing falls amongst older people.
Community health activity team (CHAT) video
Watch our video about the activities our CHAT team deliver to help improve the health and wellbeing of the people who live in our communities.