NHS Fife staff, responsible for the management of a number of long-term health conditions, were invited to the launch of a innovative community-based programme designed to help patients improve physical symptoms and emotional wellbeing.

Active Options 2 was formally launched at Carnegie Leisure Centre to health professionals who care for patients with conditions such as diabetes, stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The programme has been developed by Fife Sports and Leisure Trust and is one of a number delivered as part of its commitment to supporting health and wellbeing across communities in the region.

Active Options 2 is supported by Fife Council's Active Fife team and NHS Fife.The programme is made up of referral-based health classes which deliver exercise tailored to a person's functional ability, regardless of what long-term condition they may have. Classes are held across the Trust's centres, as well as some community centres, and are led by highly-trained and experienced instructors who are able to design a programme for the individual.

It is hoped that by raising awareness of the programme, more health professionals will refer patients suffering from long-term conditions to the exercise classes.

In Scotland over two million people live with at least one long-term health condition, meaning they are more likely to be admitted to hospital and stay longer once admitted.

Active Options 2 is designed to directly work with health professionals to support Scottish Government objectives and provide greater community-based provision reducing the burden on hospitals and clinics.

Health professionals attending the launch not only heard about the four levels of health classes available, but also direct testimonials from patients who have already been referred and have experienced a considerable benefit.

Jacquie Stringer, health and physical activity manager, said: "Overwhelmingly, patients who are referred to our programmes see a significant improvement in their health and wellbeing.

"Often, they find the social aspects of attending a class and sharing their experience with other patients of great benefit.

"Fife Sports and Leisure Trust's health and wellbeing programmes are well knows to a some health professionals and the official launch of Active Options 2 was to increase awareness and encourage greater use of the programme so that more patients can benefit from supervised physical activity."

Attending the launch, Cllr Mark Hood, Fife Council Executive Committee Member, said: "We are keen to support this initiative as one of the partners, particularly in terms of the benefits to Fifers. There is some great work being done with Active Options 2 and getting more Fifers more active is on the key priorities of the Council."

Ed Watson, chief executive of Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: "The Trust is committed to providing access to sport and recreation as part of a physically active lifestyle and that extends to those who may need additional support because of a health condition.

"Active Options 2 is one of several programmes delivered by the Trust to support partners, offering initiatives to tackle health and social issues affecting local communities across Fife."