Specialist Physical Activity Team - South Tees

Quick links: What the SPA team offers

The SPA Team runs a free 12-week programme to help people with long-term health problems get more active and feel better. To join, you’ll need your doctor or another health worker to recommend you.

Before joining the programme, you’ll have a one-to-one meeting with a member of the team to talk about your needs and goals. After that, you’ll take part in group activities designed to support your health and help you get more active.

Please note – we can’t accept referrals directly from individuals. See the “How To Access” section below to learn more.

Keep scrolling to find out what we do and how we can support you.

Get active with
our SPA Team

A woman at a gym on a stationary exercise bike, talking with a trainer, in a spacious fitness center filled with exercise machines and equipment.

Our team of 10 friendly professionals is here to support you every step of the way. We’ll help you plan your journey, understand any challenges you might face, and give you the tools to make lasting changes that improve your physical and mental wellbeing.

Once we get your referral, we’ll be in touch to help you get started. You’ll have a named member of staff who will support you through your 12-week programme. You’ll also have access to a wide range of activities to help you move more and feel better.

Contact us using the email address or phone number below.

Email – specialistphysicalactivity@middlesbrough.gov.uk

Phone – 01642 727590.

The SPA Team

The Exercise Referral Programme is a free 12-week course to help people become more active. You can join if a GP or another health professional thinks it could support your health and refers you.

How to access

Four people practicing Tai Chi or a similar exercise on a grassy park area with trees and buildings in the background.
Group of people practicing boxing outdoors in a park, with some wearing gloves and focusing on each other, while others observe or prepare to spar, in front of an apartment building.

What the SPA team offers:

  • Aquarobics

    Aquarobics is a fun, low-impact session that takes place in the water.

    It uses the natural support of the water to reduce pressure on painful joints, which makes it a great option for people with joint pain; including those living with arthritis.

    You don’t need to be able to swim. The session takes place at a comfortable standing depth, and there’s a hoist available if you need help getting into the pool.

    Benefits of Aquarobics:

    • helps take pressure off your joints

    • can reduce swelling and ease pain

    • improves movement and flexibility

    • makes it easier to stay active and feel better

    Where it takes place:

    The session takes place at the Neptune Centre in Berwick Hills, Middlesbrough.

    To find out more, visit the Specialist Physical Activity Team page on the Live Well Centre website.

  • Tai Chi for Health and Rehabilitation

    Tai Chi is a gentle form of exercise that uses slow, flowing movements.

    It’s non-competitive and suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
    The sessions focus on stretching, balance, and movement at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

    You can take part in a 12-week Tai Chi programme, and once it ends, you can continue the sessions for just £2 each.

    It’s a great way to stay active, meet others, and feel good.

    How it helps:

    • improves strength and flexibility

    • improves mental health

    • improves balance and co-ordination.

    • reduces the risk of falls - helping you feel stronger and more confident.

    Where it takes place:

    The session takes place at Easterside Hub in Middlesbrough.

    To find out more about the Hub, visit the Specialist Physical Activity Team page on the Live Well Centre website.

  • Exercise on Referral – Gym Session

    These gym sessions are designed to support people who are living with health conditions. You will get a personalised gym programme, with exercises that are tailored to your individual needs.

    How it helps:

    You’ll receive one-to-one support and advice. The exercises are made to help with specific health conditions, including:

    • long COVID

    • breathing or lung problems (respiratory issues)

    • muscle, joint or bone problems (musculoskeletal issues)

    • heart conditions (cardiac health)

    This is a targeted way to improve your health and wellbeing in a safe and supported environment.

    Where it takes place:

    The Live Well Centre – Middlesbrough Town Centre

    Visit The Live Well Centre website to find out more.

  • Functional Fitness

    These gentle, low-impact sessions are ideal for people who find it difficult to do weight-bearing exercises (activities that put pressure on your joints, like standing or walking for long periods).

    How it helps:

    Chair-based exercises are a safe way to stay active. They can help to:

    • improve heart health (cardiovascular health)

    • build and maintain muscle strength

    • support balance and mobility

    • all while being gentle on your body and joints.

    Where it takes place:

    This session is held at St Barnabas Church Hall in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough.

    To find out more, visit the St Barnabas Church website.

  • Wellbeing Gym Session

    These gym sessions are designed for people living with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. They offer a supportive and friendly space where you can build confidence, improve your mood, and meet new people.

    How it helps:

    • you’ll get one-to-one support and advice, with an exercise plan that’s made just for you.

    • improve self-esteem and confidence

    • boost your mental wellbeing

    • connect with others in a safe and welcoming environment

    Where it takes place:

    The sessions take place at The Live Well Centre, Middlesbrough.

    To find out more information, visit the Live Well Centre Website.

  • Pilates

    Pilates is a mat-based exercise class that focuses on strengthening your core muscles (your back and tummy). The class uses slow, controlled movements to help stretch, tone, and strengthen your core and pelvic floor muscles.

    How it helps:

    • build core strength

    • improve balance and posture

    • increase flexibility and muscle tone

    • boost mental wellbeing and reduce stress

    • improve awareness of how your body moves

    Where it takes place:

    The session takes place at The Live Well Centre in Middlesbrough.

    To find out more, visit the Live Well Centre Website.

  • Neuro Bootcamp

    These gentle circuit-based sessions are designed for people living with Parkinson’s Disease or Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Exercises can be adapted to suit your individual needs, and you are welcome to bring a family member or friend for support.

    How it helps:

    • slowing down the progression of the condition

    • improving your quality of life

    • helping you stay independent and active

    Where it takes place:

    The sessions take place at The Neptune Leisure Centre (Berwick Hills, Middlesbrough) and Middlesbrough Sports Village.

    To find out more, visit the Specialist Physical Activity Team page on the Live Well Centre website.

  • Stroke Improvement

    This functional exercise session is designed to support people recovering from a stroke. The activities are tailored to help with movement and everyday tasks.

    How it helps:

    The session focuses on:

    • improving mobility, strength, and balance

    • supporting day-to-day function

    • boosting confidence and promoting independence

    • reducing feelings of loneliness or isolation by connecting with others

    Where it takes place:

    The session takes place at The Live Well Centre in Middlesbrough.

    To find out more information, visit The Live Well Centre Website.

  • Lung Health Check

    You can get your lungs checked every Wednesday between 12pm and 2pm.

    We’ll look at how healthy your lungs are and talk about ways to help you breathe better. You can also use the gym and get support to stop smoking from the South Tees Smokefree Service.

    How can I book a lung health check?

    To book a check, speak to your ACT caseworker at Recovery Solutions.

    Or, contact Kelly Butler:

    By email -Kelly_butler@middlesbrough.gov.uk

    By telephone - 07929 732426

  • NHS Pre-Op Programme - Waiting Well

    The Waiting Well Programme is run by South Tees NHS Foundation Trust. It is designed to help people stay as healthy as possible while they wait for surgery.

    What’s involved:
    As part of the programme, you can take part in exercise classes and get support with your health and wellbeing. These sessions can help you feel better and prepare your body for surgery.

    Where it takes place:
    The classes take place at The Live Well Centre in Middlesbrough:

    • Tuesdays: 1pm to 2pm

    • Thursdays: 1pm to 2pm

    How to join:
    If you are eligible and waiting for surgery, the team will contact you directly about joining the programme.

    Want to know more?
    You can email the team at: stees.waitingwell@nhs.net

  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation

    Pulmonary rehabilitation is an NHS service that helps people with lung problems like COPD, asthma, and other breathing illnesses. If you often feel out of breath and find it hard to do everyday things, this programme can help you feel stronger and more active.

    What is Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

    The programme lasts for seven weeks and includes 14 exercise sessions. These are led by trained physiotherapists and occupational therapists. You’ll do exercises that match your ability and learn how to manage your condition better. The sessions include activities to help your breathing and improve your fitness.

    This programme is run by South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust and takes place in different locations across Middlesbrough and Redcar, including The Live Well Centre in Middlesbrough.

    It’s a great way to take control of your health and feel more confident in your daily life.

    How can I join?

    To take part, you need a referral from a healthcare professional, such as:

    • your GP

    • a respiratory consultant

    • a practice nurse

    • a respiratory nurse

    • an allied health professional

    Once you’re referred, the team will contact you to start your personalised programme.

    Contact details

    The service can be contacted at Langbaurgh House (Guisborough, TS14 7AA), Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays between the hours of 8.30am and 4:30pm.

    Tel: 01642 944607

    For more information visit the Pulmonary Rehabilitation NHS website.

  • Yoga

    Yoga is an old practice from India that helps bring your mind, body and breathing together. It uses simple movements, breathing exercises and moments of calm to help you feel better.

    You can join a 12‑week yoga programme. You can mix it with other sessions if you like and after the 12 weeks you can keep coming for only £2 a session.

    How it helps

    Helps improve your balance and flexibility

    Supports your mental wellbeing by using breathing and mindfulness

    Builds strength and balance, which can help lower the risk of falls

    Location: The Live Well Centre – Middlesbrough Town Centre.

    Please visit The Live Well Centre website for more information.