£150,000 of grants awarded to physical activity and sports groups by Parkinson’s UK

Whatever you do to get active, it’s important to do it regularly. And if you enjoy the physical activity you’re doing, you’re more likely to keep doing it. That’s why we’re supporting activity providers running a wide range of classes for the Parkinson’s community.

The grants are funding 69 different projects across the UK. They’ll support activity providers and healthcare professionals to help people at all stages of Parkinson’s live well with the condition. From table tennis to walking football to drumming lessons, there’s something for everyone. 

The grants are made possible thanks to the generous support of Sport Parkinson’s CIC, Boost Charitable Trust and the Parkinson’s UK Innovation Fund.

Tim Morton, Physical Activity Programme Manager for Parkinson’s UK, said: 

"The physical activity grants programme is supporting projects across the UK to help people with Parkinson’s either become or stay active. Being active is so important for people with Parkinson’s as it can help to manage symptoms, maintain health and lift your mood. It can make you feel good inside and out. The more physically active you are, the easier it is to live well with Parkinson’s.

"We are delighted to work with so many new activity providers this year, from sports clubs and physiotherapists to specialist instructors and NHS clinics. This will let us develop and support a huge range of opportunities to be active for our community that will be fun, enjoyable and have real benefits.

"We have had brilliant feedback from the providers who’ve received a grant, and they are all keen to get started and make a difference to our community."

Rachel Wesson, Artistic Director of Yorkshire-based dance for health charity Ascendance, has been given a grant. The grant will mean Ascendance can continue to provide dance classes specifically designed for people with advanced Parkinson's.

Rachel said:

"We had one gentleman who was sat in a wheelchair and he got up to dance with us. It was significant, he came alive, also with his facial expressions. From masking, people with Parkinson's don't always smile, but he was full of emotion and able to walk to the beat. 

"It's a big moment, the members shuffle in but then they're marching away. That's why we continue, we can see it's doing a lot of good. We can see their fitness getting better. That money will really help those with Parkinson's to get the dance exercise they need, which is so good for their physical and mental health."

Caroline Rassell, Chief Executive of Parkinson’s UK, said: 

"The physical activity grants project is a wonderfully innovative way of working with partners and demonstrates our commitment to helping deliver essential services for people with Parkinson’s. 

"Our physical activity strategy supports and promotes opportunities to be active for everyone with Parkinson’s. It means partners are able to support our communities and it helps everyone to live well with the condition."