Since its launch in 2022, ProActive Physical Activity on Referral, which is set up and managed by the Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP), has been steadily growing into the service for people referred to physical activity programmes across the county. Through the ProActive Physical Activity on Referral Scheme, Somerset residents living with health conditions have been given the opportunity to improve their overall health and more specifically, be provided with strategies to manage or improve symptoms as well as achieve specific rehabilitation goals. ProActive uses targeted exercises prescribed by highly qualified Exercise on Referral fitness professionals to help participants achieve this. The latest figures, updated in August 2025, show just how much impact the initiative is having.
Since January 2023, there have been 4,213 total referrals, with 799 (19%) of those coming since the end of March 2025. The service has achieved a 62% completion rate for participants attending 12 weeks of activity – a figure 10% higher than this time last year.
- 56% of referrals are aged 59 and above.
- 62% female, 38% male.
- 7% of referrals came from the most deprived wards, showing progress in targeting health inequalities.
"My physical mobility has improved with the combination of classes I have been attending, and I appreciate the companionship of other members of the group, especially when we meet after the last session of the week to enjoy a coffee and a chat together. Most of the group stay for this and I am sure that is as important for our health as the physical sessions." – Participant from Wellsprings Leisure Centre, Taunton. This is just one of many lovely, positive quotes from participants in the scheme.
"We've been able to share the infographic, case studies and our wonderful video showcasing real-life stories at events and with our NHS colleagues, who have been blown away by the figures and stories we are able to share. They have seen ProActive as a real success story for patients across Somerset." says Jo Smith, the Physical Activity on Referral Manage for SASP.
One GP told us "we would never get that amount of positive figures with drug intervention."
We now have 23 accredited ProActive Providers across the county, including leisure centres and qualified personal trainers, all offering tailored support for individuals referred into the programme. With locations spanning Somerset – from Wellsprings Leisure Centre in Taunton to Frome Leisure Centre, Burnham-on-Sea Swim and Sports Academy, and Wincanton Sports Centre – the service is more accessible than ever. In addition, 63 individuals have been supported to train in Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 qualifications, ensuring long-term sustainability and specialist expertise in physical activity on referral.
Health Outcomes
The programme is not just about attendance across the 12 weeks – it's about measurable improvements in health and wellbeing. Among those completing 12 weeks:
- 59% saw improvements in blood pressure (up from 52% last year).
- 41% improved their weight management (up from 38%).
- 32% improved their balance.
- 78% reported improved strength.
- 63% reported an improved wellbeing score.
These results show clear progress in supporting people with a wide range of health conditions, including obesity (1,117 referrals), osteoarthritis (953), mood disorders (560), hypertension (616), and simple mechanical low back pain (601).
ProActive Somerset has grown rapidly. Its continued success lies in strong partnerships between healthcare providers, leisure centres, and community organisations – and most importantly, the determination of individuals to take positive steps for their health.
As the programme continues to expand, the focus remains on creating opportunities for people across Somerset to move more, feel better, and improve their long-term wellbeing. View all the information on how to refer and eligibility for the scheme here on our website.