A RANGE of free activities are on offer for people who are registered with GPs in East Dorset.

Activate East Dorset, involving NHS Dorset, Christchurch and East Dorset Partnership (Moors Valley Country Park) and Dorset Partnership for Older People Programme (POPP), have got together to offer wellness walks, half-hour walks led by a qualified fitness instructor.

There are also chair-based exercise classes: six-week courses led by qualified instructors to promote strength, balance and mobility. Classes take place across West Moors, Ferndown, Verwood and Wimborne.

The Green Referral Scheme is a 12-week exercise referral programme including four one-to-one consultations with a qualified exercise referral consultant, a bespoke exercise programme and regular follow up sessions to assess improvement. Local GP and chairman of the East Dorset Locality of Dorset CCG Dr Colin Davidson said: “Along with well documented benefits to a person’s physical wellbeing, regular physical activity can have a real positive impact on mental health.

“Getting active doesn’t mean you have to join the gym or get training for running a marathon; find activities you enjoy and try and fit more time in your daily life to enjoy them.”

Access to this project is through either a health professional’s referral (Active 4 Health referral form) or self-referrals within certain criteria.

For further information call the Active 4 Health team at Moors Valley Country Park on 01425 470721 or email active4health@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk