Active Essex

Your GP or health professional may feel that physical activity could help with your physical or mental health and well being.

A referral will give you access to our Active Health scheme, where you will have the support and advice of our dedicated specialist instructors. They will promote healthy lifestyle changes and prescribe safe and effective physical activity. 

You can be referred by a GP, nurse, physiotherapist, social prescriber, health and wellbeing coach, or other health professional.

Eligibility

You can be referred by your GP or a health professional and must be:

• aged 14 years and over
• committed to making a long-term lifestyle change
• clinically stable and compliant with your medication
• have an existing health condition, recovering from an operation or other risk factors for disease, such as:
  • coronary heart disease
  • high blood pressure
  • high cholesterol
  • arthritis
  • osteoarthritis
  • osteoporosis
  • asthma
  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
  • long covid
  • diabetes
  • mental health issues
  • obesity

Sport For Confidence

Sport For Confidence is a unique and pioneering programme that helps you take part in sport or physical activity, no matter who you are or what barriers you might face. 

The sessions are delivered by qualified coaches, who work with occupational therapists, and are suitable for people who have:

• learning disabilities
• mental health issues
• dementia
• autism
• a physical impairment or disability 
• other complex health needs 

There are many benefits to being active. It can improve your physical and mental health and bring social benefits. 

In addition, Sport For Confidence sessions can develop life-changing skills such as: 

• self-confidence
• independence
• the ability to perform daily tasks 
• interaction with others 

Everyone can enjoy the sessions. You don’t need any previous experience and the emphasis is always on having fun!

To find out more about Sport For Confidence in Chelmsford, you can contact Megan Potts (Occupational Therapist) on megan@sportforconfidence.com or 07394 564942.

You can visit Sport For Confidence to find out more about the programme and its other locations. 

Our sessions do not run on bank holidays or on bank holiday weekends.

Forever Active

As we get older keeping active can be even more important. Forever Active offers a range of activities, sports, and classes, all designed for over fifties to improve mobility, strength, and confidence.

With You In Mind

With you in Mind provides for support and activities for mental health, based at our Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre. We offer inclusive activity sessions for adults who want to improve their confidence, wellbeing and mental health. Our team of Activity Coordinators and Mental Health First Aiders will support you at each session.

We will provide an area to speak openly to our support team who can help with signposting you to services. 

Testimony

"Though I was initially nervous about attending the With You In Mind group, I felt welcomed and accepted soon enough. The group has given me an enjoyable outlet following a long time of isolation; whether I am playing badminton, having a coffee and a chat or beating Tom at Dobble. Other aspects I like about the group is that we are able to suggest activities, there are the occasional classes offered and it has been an opportunity to meet new people."

Tom (service user)

Group activities

Our activity co-ordinators and mental health first aiders at the centre will be on hand delivering a variety of activities including: 

• badminton
• table tennis
• group exercise classes
• led walks
• relaxation sessions
• an area for board games
• mindful colouring 
• workshops

Sport activity session not for you and want to get outdoors? You can also attend gardening sessions by volunteering with our parks department.

You can also suggest other activities you would like us to include in the programme. We want you to feel part of a group and be social with people who will be supportive and empathise with your needs and support you to build your confidence.