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Our Mission

To support the local health services in prescribing exercise to those in the community who have been diagnosed with health conditions/diseases in order to help improve their quality of life.

To give students real-world experience of prescribing and coaching exercise classes to members of the local community with the aim of developing students practical and clinical skills which will enhance their employability.

The Community Exercise Clinic was formed in 2016 to support the local diabetic community. Since then it has grown to work with the local hospital and GP surgeries. Some of the people we work with include those who have been referred by the Primrose Centre (Oncology) after being diagnosed, awaiting treatment, after treatment including palliative care. We also work closely with other services including Tibbs Dementia Foundation who have their own weekly session.

There are several arms to the clinic including 1-2-1 sessions for those living with cancer, or other long-term conditions. Other services we offer include group exercise sessions, such as circuit and dance classes for all abilities. We also offer fitness testing for the participant so that they and the instructors can monitor their progress and report back to the relevant services associated with the referral.

Students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, get involved by reviewing the clients’ details, discuss goals and coach the exercise sessions. This gives our students valuable experience, including transferable skills of communication and empathy which they can take with them to develop further after completing their studies into whatever career they choose to go into.

Services we work with

• Lifestyle Hub (GP Surgeries)
• NHS Cardiac Rehabilitation Services
• NHS Diabetes Department
• NHS Oncology Services
• Tibbs Dementia Foundation
• Stroke Association
• Bedford Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre

How to join

To enter onto the programme clients need to approach their GP and ask to be referred through the Lifestyle Hub. Once the referral has come to the clinic the client will be contacted by the clinic and invited to join.

To gain further information please email: ExerciseClinic@beds.ac.uk

We also offer a Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation Clinic service for those who need musculo-skeletal rehabilitation. The clinic is open every Wednesday between 9-12 am and 1-3 pm. This is particularly useful for those who may need rehabilitation of specific injuries or conditions. Appointments can made to see a trainee practitioner under the supervision of qualified staff. Contact CLINIC@beds.ac.uk for bookings or with queries about this service.