What is NERS?
NERS - The National Exercise Referral scheme is based on a 16-week physical activity and behavioural change intervention. There are 8 specific chronic pathways we work with in Blaenau Gwent:
Cardiac
Pulmonary
Mental Health
Cancer
Fall prevention
Generic (lifestyle)
Weight Management (BMI 30+)
Stroke (rehabilitation)
What exercise can prevent
Coronary heart disease
up to 35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
Depression
reduces anxiety and depression by up to 30%
Cancer
up to 50% lower risk of colon cancer and 20% lower risk of breast cancer
Osteoarthritis
up to 83% lower risk of osteoarthritis and up to 68% lower risk of hip fracture
Meet the team
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Scott Morris
Scott has been a part of the BGCBC and Aneurin Leisure Trust for over 18 years. He first joined as a pool recreation assistant and worked his way up to duty manager of the sports centres. Currently Scott is the exercise referral supervisor for Blaenau Gwent, where he co-ordinates and delivers on the NERS (National Exercise Referral Scheme) programme.
NERS is a 16-week exercise intervention for clients who have been referred to us from their health professionals. He delivers this service in across Blaenau Gwent. Being from Ebbw Vale Scott wants to help as many people as he can within Blaenau Gwent and help improve people’s health and quality of life.
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Craig WIlliams
Craig has worked in the health and leisure industry for over 20 years, across two local authorities providing an invaluable insight of the health in a community in different socio-economic areas.
As the exercise referral facilitator in Abertillery he supports many clients with differing health conditions and backgrounds, helping to improve their mental wellbeing and physical mobility through a 16-week scheme. He employs different strategies to assist each client’s progression; verbally exploring barriers and goals, physically delivering structured groups, and creating informative tools to help reduce barriers and to maximise opportunities for success.
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Phillip Matthews
Phil has worked for Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council and Aneurin Leisure Trust for the past 14 years and have been involved in the fitness industry for over 20 years.
He has a passion for health, well-being and physical activity and to share the knowledge and experience, giving it back to those who are motivated to make a positive change in their lives.
He’s been involved in multi-discipline sports from cycling to running and discovered his natural ability for endurance resulting in representing his country competitively in middle- to long-distance running events, both cross-country and on the road. It is this discipline, passion and energy that he brings to his role as an exercise referral facilitator, helping people on their journeys to a better life!
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During an appointment with a GP or Health professional they will suggest (if exercise is right for you) a referral to our scheme. Details will be filled in and sent to the exercise coordinator.
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Once you have been referred by the GP or health professional you will be invited (by post or contact call) to an open day, where you will meet the exercise facilitator and get to know a little bit more of what the scheme entails. These take place in either Ebbw Vale or Abertillery Sports Centre.
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Your initial consultation will be booked after contact by an exercise referral officer. A consultation will then follow that will explore your health and fitness goals, and help create a plan for you to go forward using questionnaires, body and fitness tests to measure your progress.
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At week 4 you will have a progress meeting to assess the programme, if anything needs to change or new information given to the exercise facilitator.
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At week 16 you will attend an evaluation consultation with the exercise facilitator. This will replicate the test completed at the initial consultation to monitor how effective the scheme has been.
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The scheme continues post 16 weeks whereby you can use all of the facilities across 3 sports centres. At week 52 you will be invited to a further consultation
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Getting reliable information to assist you to improve your overall health and wellbeing is essential.
Below are some useful links to help you learn about and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Access our YouTube channel here
Get advice on your weight loss journey …
A new, free weight management scheme has been launched in Blaenau Gwent which aims to help you to manage your weight for a healthier life.
Being overweight can have a significant impact on your daily life; physically, emotionally and financially.
We’re here to help.
Learn essential weight management skills
Understanding your body mass index (BMI) and calorie counting
InBody scan – a bespoke assessment of your body fat, water and muscle mass
Personalised weight tracking with weekly guidance
Information about activity sessions aimed to support you to reach your goal
Flexible, trainer-led sessions
Free wrist pedometer to monitor your daily steps
Over the sessions, with the ongoing support of the team, you’ll be able to monitor your weight loss journey by understanding calorie counting, working out your BMI and measuring your success through InBody and physical measurements. Weekly hourly sessions plus activities will be held to help and encourage you, flexible so you can drop in and out to suit your needs.
To start your weight loss journey and empower your health journey on your terms please contact your GP or email scott.morris@aneurinleisure.org.uk for more information.
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