What is it?
The National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) in Rhondda Cynon Taf provides those with a health condition, that are not active, an opportunity exercise safely.
NERS is designed to take a gradual and gentle introduction to make exercise fun and a part of your normal day.
How do I join NERS?
You must be referred to the team by a GP, Nurse or Physio.
What happens next?
You will be invited to attend NERS Supervised exercise sessions available at one of the following leisure centres:
- Llantrisant Leisure Centre
- Rhondda Fach Sports Centre
- Abercynon Sports Centre
- Sobell Leisure Centre
- Rhondda Sport Centre
Click here to see the current NERS Class timetable.
What happens when I finish NERS?
Following NERS, you can continue being physically active at one of our leisure centres, including the following additional leisure facilities:
- Rhondda Sports Centre
- Hawthorn Leisure Centre
- Tonyrefail Leisure Centre
- Llantwit Fardre Sports Centre
Leisure for Life have a 60+ Active Leisure Scheme with many low impact classes. Click here for full details.
Success Stories
Click below to read through some of the success stories from the NERS programme in RCT.
Testimonials
"As the Cabinet Member for Leisure in Rhondda Cynon Taf, I am always pleased to see residents enjoying an active lifestyle, whatever level of fitness. The National Exercise Referral Scheme has a proven track record and I have received positive feedback from friends who have been referred to the Scheme via their GP's.
At first, they were hesitant as they had never been inside a gym - but with the support and encouragement of the staff, they engaged with the programme of exercise classes. They enjoyed the sessions and on completion of the Scheme, signed up to RCT's Leisure for Life Membership. They are now attending the gym and fitness classes on a regular basis.
Working with the Health Service our NERS staff encourage gentle activity ‘making exercise fun and a part of your normal day."
Councillor Ann Crimmings
Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure - RCTCBC
"Our local Cwm Taf NERS scheme provides valuable advice and practical support in both prevention and rehabilitation for very many unwanted health conditions. The feedback from our patients is very positive and the support of local physical education specialists has given the patients oftentimes the confidence to take the first few steps towards better health. Moreover, they can then continue to exercise safely and improve their long term physical and mental health.
Lifestyle schemes in a safe and supported environment such as these are the cornerstone of 21st century health."
Dr Howel Davies
Parc Canol Surgery
"Without your service our patients would be at a loss. The service is invaluable in helping people to sustain a long-term commitment to physical activity and exercise and to rebuild their confidence to exercise after a life changing health event. The knowledge and training that your skilled staff undergo gives us huge confidence in their competence to deliver and promote recovery beyond healthcare and is an important part of the patient’s journey. I highly recommend it to all my patients."
Hannah Davies
Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist - Cardiovascular Rehabilitation
"As a GP with a specialist interest in Lifestyle Medicine and the lead for our Wellness Improvement Service, I highly value the NERS as a way to support my patients to improve their symptoms and long term health. The medical evidence is strong that exercise is beneficial for all sorts of health conditions. Not only that, but my patients give very positive feedback for the improvement in their wellbeing and confidence."
Dr Liza Thomas-Emrus
Clinical Lead Wellness Improvement Service - Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
"Physical activity is an important part of maintaining both a healthy weight and healthy lifestyle, and NERS is a great way for people to get into leisure facilities when they may be out of the routine of it or perhaps new to it entirely. The guidance from the NERS team is really valuable and I know it makes a lot of difference to people’s confidence to have their support in the gym sessions and classes."
Jo Pockney
Specialist Physiotherapist Adult Weight Management Service - Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
Contact us
Email any enquiries to nersrct@rctcbc.gov.uk