Local leisure centres support people with Parkinson's by offering free memberships

Several leisure centres in Stratford-on-Avon District offer free memberships to those living with Parkinson's disease and are urging people to sign up this World Parkinson's Day (Thursday 11^th April 2024).

These include Stratford Leisure Centre, Southam Leisure Centre, Shipston Leisure Centre, Studley Leisure Centre and The Greig Leisure Centre in Alcester.

The leisure centres - which are managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Stratford-on-Avon District Council - collaborated with charity Parkinson's UK to create the initiative in 2022.

Since it started, almost 70 members of the community who are affected by Parkinson's disease have benefitted from the free membership.

But, this World Parkinson's Day, the leisure centres want to encourage more people than ever before to take advantage of the initiative.

Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world and there is currently no cure. It affects around 153,000 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 dancing, beneficial in managing their symptoms.

The free membership offers access to gym, swim and group exercise classes. Plus, a free carer membership is available, if required.

Richard Bell, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: "We want to encourage the Parkinson's community to stay active this World Parkinson's Day. Exercise is so important for living well with Parkinson's and can help improve both physical fitness and mental wellbeing.

"Since launching, we are really proud to see the positive impact our free memberships have had on those who have joined.

"We urge anyone living with Parkinson's to sign up for the initiative so they can reap the benefits of physical activity in supporting their condition."

Cllr Lorraine Grocott, Environmental and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio says: "We are committed to providing opportunities for all people to improve their level of fitness. This is a great initiative that has a real positive impact on those residents living with Parkinson's.

"I am proud that we can continue to support Parkinson's UK and to offer complimentary membership. Our leisure centres across the District offer a wide range of facilities, classes and activities. If you are not affected yourself but know of anyone who would find the complimentary memberships useful, please do let them know as it could have a very positive impact on those residents living with Parkinson's." 

For further information or to join, visit https://www.everyoneactive.com/promotion/parkinsons/.

Those with underlying health conditions such as heart problems, diabetes or breathing issues should contact their GP before starting any new activity.