The data recorded by ReferAll provides a clearer picture of those accessing South Downs Leisure’s exercise referral and health programmes, allowing the trust to develop tailored programmes to support people to be more active and improve their health and wellbeing.

'We’ve been using ReferAll for around two years to manage our exercise referral and health programmes. The data shows that musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and falls are the most common areas of need,' says fitness manager, Violet Rose.

 To fill this gap, South Downs Leisure is developing a dedicated MSK programme as well as falls prevention classes for its West Sussex sites. The new schemes respond to local need, while giving healthcare professionals more options for supporting patients to stay active, says Rose.

'A local surgery has funding for an eight-week MSK programme, but there isn’t currently an exit programme for these patients. Our new MSK classes will offer that next step, supporting people to keep exercising once they’ve finished the surgery’s eight-week programme.'

 This autumn will also see the launch of the charity and leisure trust’s first water-based exercise referral classes led by virtual instructors. The one-hour classes will be delivered via a large screen on poolside, with content provided by Finnish virtual aqua fitness system Hydrohex.

 Piloting at Wadurs Swimming Pool and Splashpoint Leisure Centre, the virtual classes will allow South Downs Leisure to add more sessions to its timetable, expanding from seven to 11 sessions a week, while also providing a back-up option to reduce class cancellations.

 The new classes reflect South Down Leisure’s expanding role in supporting the health and wellbeing of its communities.

'Healthcare professionals increasingly recognise that our facilities can support prevention and recovery, and are referring more patients into our programmes. As we get busier, ReferAll is helping the team to spend less time on paperwork and more time with customers, which is what our clients want,”'says Rose.

The technology is also improving efficiency. The introduction of automated text reminders has reduced missed first appointments from 40 to 12 per cent. It has also identified points during the 12-week exercise referral programme where participants are more likely to drop out, giving staff the opportunity to provide additional encouragement.

'We know that maintaining new habits can be difficult. Sometimes a simple prompt at the right time is all someone needs to help them keep going,' says Rose.

 David Outen, account manager at ReferAll, says: 'We’re delighted to support South Downs Leisure as it expands its health programmes to meet local needs. This is a great example of how data and insight can translate into meaningful action, helping to identify gaps in provision and develop programmes that support people to be more active.'