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Overview
Grampian Cardiac Rehabilitation Association Ltd. (G. C. R. A.)
A VOLUNTARY body - an INDEPENDENT body - a registered CHARITY
We are a self help group whose interests and aims are directed at encouraging people within the Grampian area with cardiac problems to improve their quality of life by adopting a healthier lifestyle. The cornerstone of such a lifestyle being the participation of the individual in regular safe exercise programmes. Membership is open to those who suffer from Heart Disease or associated conditions and to those fortunate enough to have no such condition but who merely wish to change their lifestyle and improve their health.
GCRA have set in motion a policy of coordinating, managing and supporting a network of Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Groups within the community throughout the Grampian area. These groups cater for the exercise needs of the individual within the context of a safe, reassuring and socially inclusive environment, with a wide variety of exercise styles to choose from.
To achieve this we regularly liaise and co-operate with all who would assist in this provision including
NHS Grampian, individual GP Practices, Local Government agencies, existing accredited Exercise Organisations and any Voluntary Organisation having interests and objectives similar to our own.
The Beginning
Our story began in late 2001 when three recovering victims of Heart Disease saw the need for the provision of organised, community based, Cardiac rehabilitation exercise facilities to support and assist their recovery. Within months they had established a dialogue with senior management at NHS Grampian and were receiving valuable advice and guidance. By early Summer 2002 they had a plan and on Monday 24th June 2002 an inaugural open meeting of G.C.R.A. was held in the Town Hall at Inverurie. A committee including the three founders was elected from the floor and work to organise and establish exercise classes began immediately.
The Story So Far
By July 2003 the Association had established its first class in Turriff quickly followed with one in Peterhead in September that year. By then the Association had been awarded charitable status The year 2004 saw a major step forward with a further 11 classes coming on stream including 2 in the City of Aberdeen itself.
GCRA currently operate 33 Exercise Classes with a total membership 'approaching 650 of whom approximately 420 exercise every week and as such are the largest single voluntary provider of accredited Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise classes in Scotland.
The Association has also established successful partnership links with NHS Grampian, Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Petroleum Club, BP Exel Club Dyce, Meadows Sports Centre Ellon, and Garioch sports Centre Inverurie. All of our partners provide facilities for and are fully supportive of our efforts in exercise care in the community.
Two of the three founding members continue to serve GCRA as members of the Management Board