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.

👉 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

👉 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

👉 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:

👉 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)

People are supported to:

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

👉 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

(updated 15 June 2026)