Written question asked by Oliver Heald (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 May 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 May 2002. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 May 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what benefits exercise referral schemes offer in the field of mental health treatment. - (Holding answer 21 May 2002).

Answer: Mr. Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what benefits exercise referral schemes offer in the field of mental health treatment. [58314] Jacqui Smith: [holding answer 21 May 2002]: Regular physical activity reduces the risk of depression and has positive benefits for mental health including reduced anxiety, enhanced mood and self-esteem. Existing referral schemes involve primary care professionals referring patients to facilities such as leisure centres or gyms for supervised exercise programmes. Last year, the Department published a national quality assurance framework to improve the quality of existing referral schemes and help the development of new ones.

Secondary information