Parkinson's Active
Parkinson's Active is our Parkinson’s physical activity network in Scotland, providing a range of support for people with Parkinson's and healthcare professionals.
Being active is important for everyone. And if you have Parkinson's it can help manage your symptoms, improve your mood and make everyday movements a little easier. The more physically active you are the easier it is to live well with Parkinson's.
Parkinson's Active, our Parkinson’s physical activity network in Scotland, provides a range of support, from local physical activity opportunities for people with Parkinson’s to resources for professionals. We've got everything you need.
Parkinson's Active Partnerships
Parkinson’s Active is currently working in partnership with leisure trusts across Scotland to train instructors and to deliver a variety of classes online and in-person, specifically for people with Parkinson’s. Our training has reached over 80 instructors and we are continuing to roll this out across Scotland. We're working with:
Find local groups, support and social activities
There are lots of in-person and online support to help you live well with Parkinson’s. Search to find your nearest local group, emotional and practical support, health, physical activity and wellbeing services, or social activities.
Parkinson's and physical activity
One of the biggest challenges to physical activity is knowing where to start, what type of activity is best and where you can access it.
We've put together some resources and guidance so that you can find the right exercise and support for you, whatever your ability.
How people with Parkinson's in Scotland are keeping active
Dee was slowing down due to stiffness before and during the coronavirus lockdown. Thanks to exercise and the right medication, she's feeling fit and healthy:
"I use Reach Your Peak Online, an online exercise programme specifically for people with Parkinson’s. It delivers weekly exercise into a schedule that I control. Exercise is medicine for people with Parkinson’s and I know I am getting a good dose.
"But it’s more than online exercise. I get all the help and advice I need from Sally and Maria who are physiotherapists specialising in Parkinson’s. I also get to connect with a Parkinson’s community from all over the UK and Europe.
“I enjoy walking and cycling. When we’re not in lockdown, I enjoy playing badminton and basketball with my sister. I do weekly live Zumba. I also attend a mixed ability weekly exercise class hosted by the Parkinson's Deeside Support Group. I find these classes really beneficial socially as well as physically."
Andy was active his whole life, playing cricket, golfing and cycling. In 2015 he was diagnosed with Parkinson's:
"I instantly thought that my diagnosis would mean a hasty end to the sporty lifestyle I’d always known and I’d never again experience the thrill of doing well or winning again. I couldn't have been more wrong.
"My advice to anyone with Parkinson's who has been involved in sport or general exercise, or who wants to try it for the first time, would be to give it a go.
"You’d almost certainly be surprised at what you can do. Don’t make the same mistakes I did in thinking you won't be able to participate in the same way as anyone else.
"Sport and exercise is for everyone, including people with Parkinson's."
Support for activity providers and health professionals
In Scotland, we want activity providers and health professionals to feel confident in supporting people with Parkinson's. We have a number of resources to help:
- Join the Parkinson’s Physical Activity Scotland Network to keep up to date with workshops and guidance.
- Sign up to the Exercise Considerations for Parkinson’s workshop.
- Find out about our Parkinson's: Physical Activity & Exercise module below.
- Our annual Parkinson's Physical Activity online event
For more information on these resources or to join our Scotland Physical Activity Network, email parkinsonsactive@parkinsons.
This course is aimed at anyone promoting or providing physical activity and will focus on:
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what Parkinson’s is
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why it’s important to be active with Parkinson's.
Be part of a UK network of experts and practitioners supporting people with Parkinson's to exercise.
Developed by experts, our exercise framework provides key messages for professionals to support people with Parkinson's.
Parkinson's UK in Scotland
We're here for people with Parkinson's, families, friends and carers in Scotland. Find local support and resources for living with Parkinson's.