Health and Social Care Professionals

Use this pathway to decide whether to refer (Tiers 2–4) or signpost to local opportunities, and match people to the right level of support.

Overview of how to screen eligibility, match support, and refer or signpost to appropriate services.

Screen eligibility

👉 Decide if the person is eligible for referral.

Use the screening questions to decide if a person should be referred.

👉 View screening tool (PDF)

Check if they do not meet physical activity and/or muscle strengthening guidelines
Check if they are ready and willing to take part in a programme

Refer ONLY if:

Not meeting one or both activity guidelines AND
Ready and willing to take part

Otherwise:

Do NOT refer
Signpost to local options

Match Support

👉 Decide the right level of support.

Use the referral guide to match people to the correct level of support.

👉 View referral guide (PDF)

Decide the right level and type of support.

Decide between referral (Tiers 2–4) or signposting
Match the person to the correct level of support
Use the guide to make consistent, evidence-based decisions

👉 View detailed tier breakdown [Insert ALP_Tiers List.pdf link]

Refer or Signpost

👉 Take one clear action based on screening and matching.

👉 Referral uses the referral form. Signposting does not require a form.

Referral (Tiers 2–4)

Use referral when the person:

Not meeting one or both activity guidelines
Ready and willing to take part
Needs structured support

👉 Download referral form (PDF)

One form covers all referral levels (Tiers 2–4)
Quick to complete
Used across all services

👉 Provide enough detail to support accurate matching and safe delivery.

Include:

Relevant health conditions or risk factors
Current activity levels and confidence
Any mobility, communication or access needs
Key goals or reasons for referral

Signposting (Tier 5 / independent options)

Use signposting when the person: Is already active

Is already active
Is not ready to take part in a programme
Needs low-level or independent support only

👉 Find activities near you

👉 Active Communities programmes

Examples include:

Community or home support

👉 This is the support the person receives after referral.

Support is matched to individual needs.

Community-based programmes (Tiers 2-4)

For people who can attend local venues and benefit from group or supported activity.

Delivered in leisure centres, village halls and community settings
Includes walking groups, group exercise and supported activity
Led by trained instructors in a safe and supportive environment

Active at Home (Tier 3 – home-based support)

One-to-one support delivered in the home

Focus on building strength, balance and confidence
Helps people become more active in their daily routine
Supports progression into community activity where appropriate

👉 Active at Home pathway (Programme Information)

Engagement & health outcomes

People are supported to:

Take part in regular physical activity
Build confidence and independence
Improve health and wellbeing over time

Further tools and guidance

👉 Use these resources to support delivery and decision-making.

👉 View all resources and training

Includes:

Professional guidance and pathway overview
Patient information resources
National evidence and policy

Active Lives Pathway – Local Resources

How to use this page

All referrals should follow the standard Active Lives Pathway: screen → choose → refer or signpost

Use Quick Tools during consultations
Use Local Pathways for specific conditions
Use Patient Resources to support self-management
Use Policy & Guidance for consistency and audit

Quick Tools

Tool	When to use	Link
Screening Tool	Check if someone is eligible and ready for referral	👉 Click here
Referral Form	Refer into Tiers 2–4	👉 Click here
Referral Guide (At-a-Glance)	Choose the right level of support	👉 Click here

Local Pathway Resources (condition-specific)

Resource	When to use	What it provides	Link
Active at Home – Let’s Get Sporty	Person cannot attend group or facility-based activity	Home-based, 1:1 support to build strength, confidence and routine	👉 Click here
Chronic Pain Pathway	Person has chronic pain requiring tailored support	Condition-specific referral pathway with adapted activity	👉

Supporting Conversations

Resource	When to use	What it provides	Link
Moving Medicine	During consultations	Condition-specific advice to support conversations	· 👉 View Moving Medicine·
Risk Consensus (Moving Medicine)	When unsure about safety	Clear guidance for activity with long-term conditions	View Risk Consensus
Healthcare Improvement Scotland	Supporting frailty / older adults	Tools for decision-making and conversations	👉 View Healthcare Improvement Scotland

Patient Resources (share with individuals)

Resource	Who it’s for	What it provides	Link
NHS Inform – Keeping Active	General public	Simple advice and how to get started	👉 View NHS Inform: Keeping Active
Versus Arthritis – Keep Moving	People with MSK conditions	Exercises and safe activity guidance	👉 Download Keep Moving booklet
Age Scotland	Older adults	Staying active and maintaining independence	👉 View Age Scotland
Movement for Health	All adults	Ideas and campaigns to support activity	👉 View Movement for Health
Actify platform	Professionals & communities	Share local resources and opportunities	👉 View Actify platform

Policy, Frameworks & Guidance

Source	Resource	What it provides	Link
Public Health Scotland	Scotland’s Tiered Approach	Matches people to the right level of support	👉 View Tiered Approach
Scottish Government	Physical Activity for Health Framework	National strategy for increasing activity	👉 View Framework
Public Health Scotland	Systems-Based Approach	Whole-system delivery guidance	👉 View Systems-Based Approach
Public Health Scotland	Referral Standards	Safe and consistent referral guidance	👉 View Referral Standards
NICE	Exercise Referral (PH54)	Evidence-based delivery recommendations	👉 View NICE PH54
UK Government	CMO Guidelines	National physical activity recommendations	👉 View CMO Guidelines