Central YMCA has teamed up with Westminster NHS in London to enhance an exercise referral scheme which has been in place since 2003.

GPs can now refer patients, for whom physical activity is recommended, to the Central YMCA club on Great Russell Street in Central London.

A personalised mini-fitness assessment is made and this is then followed by four, one-hour, one-to-one sessions with an NVQ Level 3 trained fitness instructor.

Participants then take part in six supervised gym sessions before completing a further questionnaire to re-examine fitness levels.

To keep activity levels up, those who complete their 10 weeks are invited to join the Club at a reduced rate, with a supporting programme of free updates and classes.

"Central YMCA believes that people should engage in exercise because it has many benefits - social, psychological and spiritual - and as well as managing physical problems it also helps you to feel better about yourself and boost esteem," said Central YMCA's programme manager Declan Duncan.

"We provide referrals with a realistic way to exercise - producing an personalised, varied programme with which they can engage and enjoy. This is not about achieving a 'body beautiful' but about encouraging healthy living and improving all round wellbeing."

Ruth Quigley, Physical activity co-ordinator at Central West London Community Service, which delivers the project for Westminster NHS, added: "We are extremely pleased about this new partnership because we know our health professionals can refer patients to a safe and supportive environment for exercise.

"We also know that the people who need the most help in becoming more active can have the specialised assistance they require, by working with the instructors at Central YMCA, to benefit their physical and mental health," said. "Our health professionals are confident that following referral, the patient will receive the support they need in exercising safely and beginning to lead more active lifestyles."

Photograph: Central YMCA programme manager Declan Duncan