LEISURE centres in Solihull are set to offer free membership to people living with Parkinson’s.
From this month, North Solihull Sports Centre and Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, run by award-winning operator Everyone Active in partnership with Solihull Council, are taking part in the new initiative alongside charity Parkinson’s UK.
The free membership will give access to gym, swim and group exercise classes, plus, all members will be offered a personalised exercise programme through EXi, the easy-to-use online platform, with Synergy Dance online classes also available. Free carer membership will be available, if required.
In addition to the free Parkinson’s membership offer, specialist exercise classes for people with Parkinson’s are on offer at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre.
These are designed to provide the most effective exercise sessions to support self-management of Parkinson’s and are led by exercise referral specialist instructors.
Additional support is also available via the DocSpot Exercise Referral Scheme.
This is an individually tailored 12 week exercise programme to support people with long-term health conditions, which helps to build confidence, skills and knowledge of the most effective exercise to suit individual needs and goals.
Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world and there is currently no cure.
It affects around 145,000 people in the UK and there are more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.
Being physically active can play an important role in living well with Parkinson’s. People living with the condition find various activities, from walking to dance, beneficial in managing their symptoms.
Tom Ingram, corporate partnerships manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Everyone Active, who have very generously offered complimentary membership for people living with Parkinson’s and their carers.
“Being physically active is important for everyone. It supports both physical and mental health and depending on what you choose, can provide social support and interaction, all of which can really help people living with Parkinson’s and those providing informal care.”
For further information or to join, visit https://www.everyoneactive.com/promotion/parkinsons/
Those with underlying health conditions should contact their GP before starting any new activity.
