National Exercise Referral Scheme

The National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) is a chronic condition prevention and management programme which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of sedentary and inactive adults who are at risk of developing or who have an existing chronic condition.

It provides a 16-week programme of physical activity to individuals referred by NHS health professionals, using behaviour change techniques to embed positive physical activity habits.

Once referred, patients that meet the criteria are invited to their local leisure centre for an initial assessment with a qualified exercise referral professional. They will be offered a tailored, supervised exercise programme for 16 weeks and their progress will be reviewed at key points.

How do I access the service?

You will need to be referred by a registered NHS health professional (usually your GP, Practice Nurse or a condition specific Physiotherapist/Nurse) who will have access to the NERS referral website.

If you are a referring Health Professional, please see Health Professionals which provides more information on how to refer.

• National Exercise Referral Scheme resources

Am I eligible to access NERS?

The Scheme is for people aged 16 and over with, or at risk of developing, a chronic condition. There are set inclusion and exclusion criteria and your health professional will need to check that you meet these.

What does the scheme involve?

NERS consists of a 16 week programme where participants receive an initial assessment and a suitably graded exercise programme that is supervised by a qualified Exercise Referral Professional.

Activities may include a low-level circuit class or the gym and depending on local timetables, there may also be access to activities such as Tai Chi, aqua sessions or outdoor activities such as a led walk.

Participants receive a 4-week and a 16-week review and at the end of the programme they are signposted to appropriate classes/physical activity opportunities in the local community to encourage participants to stay active.

Please note that local provision or referral waiting times are variable dependent on the availability of qualified staff. Please contact the local NERS Coordinator if you have any queries. 

What will it cost?

The initial assessment and review appointments are free and the national recommendation is £3.15 per exercise session during the 16 weeks; these charges can vary slightly on a local basis. 

How long does the scheme last?

The scheme lasts from 4-32 weeks dependant on referral reason; each session will last approximately 1 hour and activity will vary from an indoor activity; gym, circuits or an outdoor activity. You are required to attend regular sessions and attend follow up consultations at 16 weeks. Local provision or referral waiting times is variable dependant on availability of qualified staff. Please contact your local coordinator if you have any queries.