Software provider Refer-all, which specialises in solutions to enhance the efficiency of exercise referrals from GP to leisure provider, has launched a new foundation designed to support leisure providers as they seek to work more closely with local authorities in the area of public health.

The Refer-all Foundation has been set up to provide the tools for organisations to help people achieve healthy lifestyles.

Public health is currently a hot topic among leisure providers, with many eager to pick up referrals from GPs prescribing exercise to patients. During a panel discussion at SIBEC 2014, industry experts said that closer ties with local GPs and authorities, together with clearer training pathways, were needed for the leisure sector to become a professional component of public health provision.

Meanwhile, ukactive CEO David Stalker has said that there is “still some way to go“ before the health and leisure sector becomes a cornerstone of local health delivery.

The new foundation created by Refer-all – which is currently working with 17 leisure providers to power 60 lifestyle services – will twice a year offer a free GP referral support package to a leisure provider. Each package will comprise a three-year Refer-all software licence worth £6,000, plus set-up support, training and regular updates. Leisure providers are encouraged to apply for the support package via a form on the company’s website, with the first round of applications closing on Monday 22 September 2014. The inaugural recipient will be announced one week later at Leisure Industry Week in Birmingham.

“The Refer-all Foundation is an opportunity for providers of Exercise on Referral schemes, who share our passion about what they do, to assist their local community to become more active,” said Stuart Stokes, creative director at Refer-all.

“We look forward to working with the recipient of the award and to sharing their experiences with other schemes and like-minded organisations throughout the UK.”