Physical Activity Programme

 

We are pleased to introduce our Physical Activity Trainer for Central Camden Primary Care Network (PCN), Darren O’Toole, who will be delivering the PCN Physical Activity Programme.

Darren is a qualified personal trainer with over 12 years of experience in the sports, health, and fitness sectors. He has worked in elite sport with Watford FC and West Ham United FC, alongside working with the UK’s most experienced training provider – YMCAfit, and leading awarding organisation CYQ. His qualifications include REPs (Register of Exercise Professionals) Level 3 Personal Trainer Award and CYQ (Central YMCA Qualification) Level 3 Assessing in the Active Leisure Sector.

The PCN Physical Activity Programme is an 8-week programme that offers FREE face-to-face physical activity sessions. The aim of the programme is to support patients to become more active, lose weight, and improve personal wellbeing.

Who is eligible?

Patients aged 18 years and over with no contraindications to exercise and one of the following:

  • Diabetes or pre-diabetes (Hba1c ≥42mmol/l)
  • Hypertension (BP ≥140/90mmHg)
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular disease (QRISK ≥10%)
  • BMI ≥30, or BAME with BMI ≥27.5
  • High cholesterol (LDL cholesterol ≥2.6 mmol/L, HDL ≤ 0.9mmol/L or total cholesterol >5.0mmol/L)

To calculate an up-to-date BMI, please visit the NHS website

When and where do the physical activity sessions take place?

Darren will be offering face-to-face sessions at The Living Centre, 2 Ossulston Street, NW1 1DF every week at the following times:   

  • Monday: 5:00pm – 5:45pm (Face to Face)
  • Monday: 6:00pm - 6:45pm (Face To Face)
  • Monday: 7:00pm – 7:45pm (Face To Face)

The Face To Face sessions will be in groups of 10

How do I access the PCN Physical Activity Programme?

If you are eligible and are interested in participating in the programme, please contact your GP Practice today to find out how the programme could benefit you. The easiest way to do this is to submit an online consultation form. Choose the option 'I have an admin query' followed by 'I need help with something else'. On this page you can let your GP Practice know that you are interested in participating in the 'PCN Physical Activity Programme', along with your current BMI and ethnicity.

Once they receive your message they will be in touch to confirm a referral has been made on your behalf, or will contact you to discuss further details.

What happens once you have been referred?

You will be sent a text with a link to complete a pre-questionnaire. The pre-questionnaire contains questions about your health history, your current activity and wellbeing levels, and personal health goals. Once the pre-questionnaire has been returned you will be contacted about your sessions. 

If you do not have a mobile number or are unable to access the online booking system, a member of the PCN team will call you to book an appointment.