CREWE Lifestyle Centre is launching a Long Covid-19 rehabilitation programme to help sufferers hit by the debilitating symptoms.

The centre's owners, Everybody Sport and Recreation, says the pilot exercise scheme will target those 18 years and over, who are suffering with the effects caused by Covid-19 such as fatigue, breathlessness, mobility issues, poor mental wellbeing and support them.

It will be free and is being self-funded by the charity to be delivered at both the Crewe leisure centre and Macclesfield Leisure Centre, where health instructors have all completed a specialist course through Future Fit Training Ltd.

Everybody Sport and Recreation Manager Donna Williamson said: "We will be the first organisation in Cheshire East to fund this pilot, making this a free service for participants to access and we look forward to working with health professionals in referring participants to this programme."

The Office for National Statistics reported last month that over one million people in the UK were suffering from Long Covid.

The centre's Health Innovation Team will run a group exercise class, twice a week, for six weeks, which include an education component where people learn how to self-manage their problems and a progressive exercise regime.

Experts say exercise will be an important part of recovery, reducing fatigue and coping with anxiety and lifting mood.

On completion of the programme, participants will be able to join Everybody's Exercise Referral Scheme to aid long-term progression.

Physiotherapy Team Manager Chris Smith said: "We are experiencing rising NHS referral rates as a result of lockdown easing.

"Having such a specialist service to refer our patients to with long Covid is of huge benefit to us. The needs of these patients can be tailored with specialist input allowing us to continue to focus on our own service pressure."

The Long Covid programme is currently a pilot and participants can only be referred via their GP or a health professional at this stage.

Contact Everybody Sport and Recreation via email: [email protected] or call 01270 685589.