What We Do
Green Prescription
What is Green Prescription (GRx)
If you want to become more active but are unsure about what to do, or how to get started then a Green Prescription may be for you.
This free service provides you support, motivation and guidance to get started. Our Green Prescription staff will talk through your current activity level, and help you set an activity plan and realistic goals suited to your individual needs, health and lifestyle.
Four months of ongoing support and advice are then offered to help you stay on track, and adjust your activity plan to match your changing fitness.
In addition to the individual consultations, the Green Prescription team also provide a group activity session and a variety of activity tasters.
For more information and how to get involved Green Prescription call 0800 ACTIVE or talk to your Doctor or practice nurse about Green Prescription.
How Green Prescription Works
A Green Prescription is a health professional's written advice to a patient to be physically active, as part of the patient's health management.
The health professional (GP or practice nurse) issues a Green Prescription provided the person is:
- 18 years or over
- Inactive
- Medically stable and able to engage in low to moderate activity
- Motivated to change their level of activity
The GRx script is forwarded through to Green Prescription staff at the nearest Canterbury West Coast Sports Trust office.
The GRx Support Person will then contact the patient to initiate a series of consultations about their activity level. This could be through:
- monthly telephone calls for 3-4 months
- face to face meetings for 3-4 months
- group support in a community setting for 3-6 months.
The patient’s progress is reported back to the referring health professional.
To know more about Green Prescription www.moh.govt.nz/greenprescription
Click here to see an outline of the The GRx Journey
How to get a GRx?
Talk to your doctor or practice nurse about a GRx otherwise call the 0800 ACTIVE (22 84 83) line for a direct referral.
Meet the staff
Linda Wensley – GRx Area Manager
Claire Robertson – GRx Coordinator
Trudy Baker – GRx Administrator
Anne Harkness – Patient Support Person
Di Stead – Patient Support Person
Ru Brodie - Patient Support Person
Lil Convery – Patient Support Person
Kate Harrington – Patient Support Person
Erin Reed – Patient Support Person (Banks Peninsula)
Upcoming Activities
Term 1 2010 - ‘Be Active’ programmes:
GRx are running 10 week programmes at QE2, Hagley Horticultural Hall, Pioneer Stadium and the Rolleston Community Centre for people wanting to increase their level of activity starting in February 2010. Participants will have the opportunity to try out a variety of activities, discuss ways of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and enjoy the support of others in the group. Each session costs $3 and details of venues, days & times are on the flier that you can download below.
Numbers are limited so please call Claire on 0800 ACTIVE to register.
Download flier
Have a Go
Green Prescription are running ’have a go’ sessions for you to come along and try
different activities throughout Term 1
GYM at QEII Park Recreation & Sports Centre
Wednesday 17th February 10.30am - 11.30am
Meet outside the Swim Shop at the front entrance, $3
AQUA JOGGING at QEII Park Recreation & Sports Centre
Wednesday 24th February 12pm - 1pm
Meet outside the Swim Shop at the front entrance, $3
ZUMBA at QEII Park Recreation & Sports Centre
Tuesday 2nd March 4.30 - 5.30pm
Meet outside the Swim Shop at the front entrance, $3
BADMINTON at Badminton Canterbury (next to Cowles Stadium)
Wednesday 10th March 10.00am - 11.00am
Meet inside front entrance, $4
AQUACISE at Pioneer Recreation & Sports Centre
Tuesday 16th March 7.00pm - 7.45pm
Meet at reception, $3
CIRCUIT CLASS at Crichton Cobbers (crn Fitzgerald Ave & Chester St East)
Saturday 27th March 10am - 11am
Meet at reception, $3
GRx Events
Join GRx staff and participate in the following events
- City to Surf 21st March 2010
- SBS Marathon 6th June 2010
Click here to have a read about local GRx news.
SPARC Getting Active Newsletter
GRx Success Stories
Read about some of the successes our patients have had on the GRx programme.
Ray Palmer
Sue Barrett
Susan Pullan
Jill Reesby
More SPARC GRx success stories
GRx Latest Research
SPARC Store
Click here to order your own Push Play resources.
GRx Newsletters