In November 2025, PHIRST presented findings from 3 completed exercise referral scheme evaluations to Community Leisure UK. A members’ association that specialises in charitable trusts delivering public leisure and culture services across the UK.

PHIRST members presented findings from 3 exercise referral schemes, each with a slightly different focus.

Neil Howlett (PHIRST Connect) discussed an evaluation of the Welsh National Exercise Referral scheme completed in September 2022. At the time of the project COVID 19 restrictions were affecting in person, face to face service delivery. This evaluation focussed on the impact of delivering exercise sessions online rather than in person.

Susie Sykes (PHIRST South Bank) presented an evaluation of Bracknell Forest’s Health and Well-Being Locality Service, completed in March 2024. The service is specifically designed to provide equitable access. It is free of charge for those from socially disadvantaged communities.  People can self-refer to the service or be referred by a social prescriber instead of having to be referred by a General Practitioner. Users receive a bespoke exercise programme and have access for 6 months rather than the normal 12 weeks.

The third evaluation, described by Sarah Janac (PHIRST Elevate) was the London Borough of Southwark’s Integrated Healthy Lifestyle Hub completed in May 2025. The evaluation’s main focus was the role of the centralised ‘Hub’ within the service. Whether having a single-point-of access “Hub” impacted access to programmes, and increased healthy behaviours and outcomes.

A recording of the session is now available to watch on YouTube.

You can also download a summary of the key findings Exercise Referral Schemes Summary (PDF: 14 slides)