help with gp referral exercise scheme

symikins

can anyone tell me how to find out about this l am on esa and l live alone so its a very tight budget and dont know if l can get any help with costs



the reason l ask is that l also saw a rhumatolgy consultant yesterday as my mobility and joint pain is getting much worse and are now running tests for alkylosing spondelosis :eek:

they did say ,meanwhile to try think of doing swimming , pilates ect , as this could be benifical both for my joints and depression/anxiety

l know l can rent a dvd on pilates but initially would need to be shown by a professional first who understands my problems so l dont do any damage by doing it wrong

going to my gp @ 3pm this afternoon so if l need their input for this l would be grateful for any advice before l go as getting booked in again at my surgery unless its urgent is a nightmare

thank you

MrsManda

There are specific conditions which qualify for the exercise on referral scheme so it's something you'll need to speak to your GP about whether you qualify.
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Exercise/Pages/Introduction_old.aspx

It may be worth contacting your local leisure centre and council to see if either offer discounted classes/leisure facilities to people claiming ESA or other benefits. Or who have particular conditions.