Oasis of health at Freedomleisure

There are plans to widen the reach across the community over the coming months to cover Battle, Catsfield and surrounding areas.

The Oasis Programme helps to encourage people to be comfortable with the idea of exercise and aid in rehabilitation after illness or injury.

Specialised staff develop a programme that matches personal aims and abilities. Working with close guidance from their medical practitioners, members of the Freedomleisure team tailor the programme to ensure maximum benefits.

Participants will be assessed mid-way through the course and at the end of their referral; a final report will also be compiled for their doctor. Trained staff are always available for guidance until exercise becomes a matter of habit and enjoyment.

Freedomleisure offers referral clients concessionary rates for the programme which is a 10-week course with the patient attending twice a week; the programme includes an introductory session tailored to the individual's needs and ability.

Jane Fletcher, Bexhill's Oasis-trained instructor, said: "We work closely with the Primary Care Trusts and have seen great benefits and excellent results from our GP Referral scheme at our other leisure centres in Crowborough, Hailsham, Hastings and Hassocks. We are keen to offer this additional service to our local community in Bexhill. Any patient who thinks they could benefit from gentle, progressive exercise to improve their health should make initial enquiries through their medical practice."

Freedomleisure manages 14 leisure and fitness centres across Kent and Sussex and is the largest provider of community leisure in the area. Its range of facilities include gyms, swimming pools, exercise studios and health suites, freedom cafes, crches, and soft play facilities. Membership or pay and play options are available at all centres. Freedomleisure Bexhill Leisure Centre has a gym and gym xtra - with around 23 exercise classes per week - a sports hall, squash courts, health suite and training/function rooms available to members and non-members.