PALS (Practice Activity and Leisure Scheme)

PALS class

• What is PALS?
• Who is PALS for?
• How can I join PALS?
• What happens on PALS?
• What activities can PALS take part in?
• What will it cost?
• Why join PALS?
• Frequently asked questions
• Customer Comments
• Service request

PALS walkers

PALS stands for Practice Activity and Leisure Scheme. It is the local Exercise Referral Scheme which offers support and encouragement to inactive people who want to make a difference to their health and quality of life by becoming more active. Throughout the 45 week scheme you can take part in group or individual activity programmes or incorporate activity into your daily living.

As well as the benefits to health, many PALS enjoy the social side of meeting others and supporting one another. Many of the group activities have social time at the end if you wish to get involved.

If you can answer yes to these four questions, then PALS could be for you. Are you:-

1. Inactive and need support/ motivation to become more active?
2. Age 16 years plus? (NB no upper age limit)
3. Resident in Kirklees or registered with a GP practice responsible to the Kirklees Primary Care Trust?
4. At risk of developing certain health conditions or currently with health conditions - e.g.

• heart disease, raised blood pressure
• low self-esteem, mild anxiety/ depression
• stroke
• diabetes
• respiratory problems
• arthritis/ joint pain, osteoporosis or similar
• weight control problems
• fallers or those at risk of falling
• chronic/persistent pain

NB. PALS is also beneficial for pregnant women and can help with post natal care (Pilot Project in North Kirklees via midwife referral only).

Referral onto PALS must be by your GP, Practice Nurse or other Health Care Specialist. They will decide with you whether your health could benefit from some regular activity and they will then complete a referral form to enable you to join the scheme.

Once you have been referred you need to call the PALS Office to book an appointment at your local leisure facility. You can telephone between 9:00am - 4:00pm on 01484 234095. Calls may sometimes be directed to an answer phone, particularly at busy times, but will be dealt with as soon as possible.

• Opportunity to have up to four appointments providing support, motivation and information.
• Prescription of a personalised activity plan.
• Information and advice on physical activity and active lifestyles.
• Chance to try out a range of activities.
• Option of drop-in sessions for support and advice.

PALS are encouraged to take part in any activity which they find enjoyable and appropriate to their health condition including home-based activities, walking, gardening or simply by becoming more active as part of their daily life.

PALS can also choose from a range of other weekly activities including;

• swimming, swimming lessons, water based workouts
• exercise classes e.g. circuits, flex and stretch, chair activity
• sports activities e.g. badminton, bowling
• walking, cycling
• dance classes
• tai chi
• gym

The basic PALS service is free of charge including consultations/ reviews, drop-in, information/ advice, home-based workouts and walking.

A subsidised charge is payable for certain activities e.g. gym, swimming, exercise classes and sporting opportunities.

• become more active and improve your health
• an opportunity to try out a range of activities
• meet others and make new friends
• have fun and enjoy yourself
• feel good and improve your well being

All with help and encouragement from the PALS Team

Q. What should I wear to the first consultation?
A. Dress as you feel comfortable.

Q. Can I bring a friend with me to my consultation?
A. Yes, anyone who will support you to become more active will be very welcome.

Q. Can I join an activity on the day of my consultation?
A. You are welcome to stay and take part in any appropriate PALS activity if available after your appointment

Q. What if I have any problems/ concerns?
A. PALS staff will be available at drop-in sessions or you can ring the PALS Office.

PALS is enjoyable and good fun. (woman aged 28)

PALS helps you meet more people and make new friends. (man aged 33)

PALS has helped me to lose some weight and gain confidence - I feel like a new person. (aged 40)

PALS has given me a new lease of life - I have less pain in my joints, I'm more flexible and don't get out of breath as quickly. ( aged 62)

PALS has improved my fitness, especially my mobility and strength and strength and has kept me independent. (aged 75)

Active for Life - Practice Activity and Leisure Scheme Service Request Form