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Physical Activity Opportunities in Cambridge

In Cambridge there is a range of opportunities for physical activity. The information below outlines a few that are supported by the mental health community:

Invigorate programme
These are low-cost or free groups specifically for people with mental health needs and include tennis, yoga, football and gym sessions. Groups take place in community sport and leisure venues and some are supported by mental health professionals while others are lead by qualified instructors, coaches or sports leaders. Service users do not need a referral to access these opportunities and there is support available if you do not wish to go alone.

More detailed information about these groups can be found on the City Council website, or by downloading the Invigorate leaflet.  Visit:www.cambridge.gov.uk/getactive and select the invigorate/Hopebridge pages. The programme is expending and we welcome your ideas about new activities. For an informal chat about the programme contact the Sports Development Team on (01223) 457532.

CitySport
This comprehensive booklet contains information about all of the physical activity projects that Cambridge City Council runs and supports plus generic information about City based sports organisations, clubs and societies.  Information on swimming pool and recreation ground provision, plus information on physical activity events and provision for those with special needs, can be found in this booklet.  Visit www.cambridge.gov.uk/citysport for more information or contact the Sports Development team on 01223 457532 to receive your own copy.

Forever Active
The ‘Forever Active’ Scheme has on offer over 50 exercise / sport sessions for the over 50 age group taking place within Cambridge City. There are sessions on offer to cater for all abilities from chair based sessions for people with mobility problems to activities for the more active such as dance, aqua aerobics, exercise to music, Yoga, Pilates, T’ai Chi (see below), Fitball (exercise class on stability balls), Golf, Nordic walking and Rowing. 

To get your copy of the Forever Active brochure contact the Sports Team on 01223 457532 or take a look at the website www.forever-active.org.uk

Exercise Referral programme
For those who want a more structured, regimented approach to physical activity, exercise referral schemes are available throughout Cambridgeshire.  These schemes are generally 12 weeks long and require participants to attend either group or individualised activity sessions on a regular basis, as well as attend reviews at both mid-way and end points.  Costs are subsidised by the local authorities that run the schemes.

You can be referred by your GP, or any other health professional, including mental health staff member who is registered to refer on to the scheme (registering as a referrer is very easy).

More detailed information about the City and South Cambridgeshire schemes can be found at www.cambridge.gov.uk/startup or contact 01223 457532 for information on the City scheme or 01954 212042 for information on the South Cambridgeshire scheme.

Healthy Walks
These are free, open to all and run frequently around the county.  For more information on your local health walks scheme, visit:www.wfh.naturalengland.org.uk/walkfinder  

Pictures from the 2005 Healthy Walk at Milton Country Park

T'ai Chi
T'ai Chi and Chi Kung can help a person maintain a healthy and centred lifestyle and increase wellbeing. They can help to:

• Improve balance
• Aid management and recovery from long term physical and mental illness, Injury and Stroke
• Correct postural problems
• Improving respiration and circulation and increasing oxygen intake
• Increase range and quality of movement for people suffering from debilitating conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Arthritis and Parkinson's Disease
• Relieve and manage chronic pain
• Reduce stress and tension
• Provide a challenging and accessible activity
  
  More details can be found from this local group.

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Last revised 15 February 2011

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