The HEAL programme is delivered by City of York Council's Sport and Active Leisure Department. HEAL stands for Health, Exercise, Activity and Lifestyle. The HEAL programme is a recommendation programme and has been designed to support people with a medical condition to take part in exercise and to find out what is suitable for them to participate in across the city. It provides participants with the opportunity to take part in physical activity in a safe, supportive and motivational environment.

The programme involves participants being signposted to existing physical activity opportunities across the city and to new medical condition specific classes set up as part of the HEAL programme. A number of activities ranging in price are available across the city.

To take part in the HEAL programme ask your GP or health professional to recommend you to the programme.

Examples of some of the activities delivered through HEAL include:-

• Cardiac Rehabilitation class
• Back Pain specific Circuits class
• York Health Walks
• Gym programmes at Energise gym
• Swimming at Energise and Yearsley

Back Pain Support Circuits class at University of York Sports Centre, Heslington Road every Tuesday 2pm till 3pm .  Get fit and help to manage your back pain in a safe supportive environment, delivered by a qualified instructor and supported by physiotherapists at York Hospital.  Cost is £3.50 per session. 

Pilates class for people with a neurological disorder starting Monday 3 October at Huntington Methodist Church, Strensall Road, Huntington, York, YO32 9SH. Advance sessions (including simple floorwork) 1pm to 2pm, chair based pilates 2pm to 3pm.The class is delivered by a Pilates instructor qualified in this area.  Cost is £3.50 per session.

Circuits class designed specifically for people with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) every Thursday at Roko Gym, Stirling Road, Clifton Moor, York from 12.15pm to 1.15pm.  If you have COPD and want to exercise with a qualified British Lung Foundation instructor this class is for you.

New to the HEAL Programme!
Pilates for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Starts Saturday 12 May from 11am at Park Inn, North Street. Cost £4 per session
For more information or to book a place contact Katie Ellis.

Nordic Walking to help improve back pain
A 10 week course delivered by a qualified Nordic Walking Instructor and specialist in exercise and back care.
Starting on Wednesday 2 May 2pm at Rawcliffe Country Park, £4 per session.
Nordic Walking is a great outdoor alternative to the gym, uses both the upper and lower body, lengthens the spine, activates postural muscles and carries body weight more efficiently. It stabilises the spine and pelvis and engages core muscles.
Contact Jason Feavers on 07790 702313 to book a place or for more information.

Healthy Hearts Circuits
A simple circuits class to keep your heart healthy and help you get back to exercise in a fun and social environment.
Where: Lower Derwent Sports and Social Club, Elvington
When: Wednesday 2pm to 3pm
£3 per session

Cardiac Rehabilitation Circuits at Energise
This class is targeted at those who have had a heart attack or heart operation and would like to improve their general fitness in a social and safe environment.
Fridays 1pm to 2:30pm
£3.00 per session
There are also classes running on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Burton Stone Community Centre delivered through the York Coronary Support Group Trust. Contact Katie Ellis for more information.

Mental Wellbeing Circuits
Specifically designed circuits to help improve your mental wellbeing.
Where: York St John University Sports Centre
When: Thursday 12 noon to1pm 
£3 per session, no need to book. Contact Katie Ellis (01904 553377) for more information.

Renal Exercise Class
For people with renal failure. 
Where: Burton Stone Lane Community Centre
When: Wednesday 10.45am to 12.15pm and Thursday from 4.30pm to 6pm
For more information contact Graham Pearson on 01904 790457  
For more information on the HEAL programme, details of the classes available and to book your place, please contact Katie Ellis, Exercise Pathways Officer on 01904 553377 or 07785368543 or email katie.ellis@york.gov.uk.

If you are a health professional wanting to recommend your patients to the programme you need to register onto the programme to receive your recommendation forms. Please contact Katie Ellis, details above.