The operators of Sandbach Leisure Centre will soon launch the first Long COVID-19 rehabilitation exercise programme in Cheshire East.

Everybody Sport and Recreation says the pilot will target those 18 years and over, who are suffering with the effects caused by COVID-19 e.g. fatigue, breathlessness, mobility issues, poor mental wellbeing etc and need support.

The pilot programme, which will be free for participants to access, is being self-funded by the charity and will be delivered at Crewe Lifestyle Centre and Macclesfield Leisure Centre.

Donna Williamson Senior Manager- Health at Everybody Sport and Recreation said: "Currently, within Cheshire East there is no Rehabilitation Exercise Programme available for residents who are affected by Long COVID. After discussions with our health partners we have recognised the vital support needed here to provide this service.

"We will be the first organisation in Cheshire East to fund this pilot, making this a free service for participants to access and we look forward to working with Health Professionals in referring participants to this programme."

The Office for National Statistics reported last month that over one million people in the UK were suffering from Long Covid.

Donna added: "Our Specialist Health Instructors have all successfully completed their COVID-19 Rehabilitation Course through Future Fit Training Ltd.

"Our Health Innovation Team will be delivering the pilot as a group exercise class, twice a week, for six weeks. There are two components to the programme, including an education component where participants learn about simple ways to cope and self-manage their problems and an exercise regimen where participants undertake a progressive exercise programme tailored to everyone's needs and abilities."

Experts say exercise will be an important part of recovery, reducing fatigue and coping with anxiety and lifting mood.

On completion of the Rehabilitation programme, participants will be able to join Everybody's Exercise Referral Scheme to aid long-term progression.

Chris Smith, Physiotherapy Team Manager in Nantwich said: "We are experiencing rising NHS referral rates to MSK services as a result of lockdown easing.

"Having such a specialist service to refer our patients to with long covid is of huge benefit to us. The needs of these patients can be tailored with specialist input allowing us to continue to focus on our own service pressure."

The Long COVID-19 Rehabilitation Exercise Programme is currently a pilot and participants can only be referred via their GP or Health Professional at this stage.

If you are a GP or Health Professional and have a participant who you would like to refer, you can contact Everybody Sport and Recreation via email: [email protected] or call 01270 685589.