Stockport County Community Trust launches new wellbeing programme with Parkinson’s UK

Stockport County Community Trust has partnered with Parkinson’s UK to offer support to people in the Stockport area living with Parkinson’s Disease.

Across two projects, the Parkinson’s Wellbeing Programme aims to help people living with the condition engage with physical activity to help manage their symptoms.

At Cheadle Hulme’s Pro Football Area, the programme will host an indoor walking football session on the first Tuesday of each month, beginning with an Introduction to Walking Football session on 5November from 3pm to 4pm. Edgeley Park itself will also host a weekly physical activity session for people with Parkinson’s. Delivered Community Trust coaches in association with Stockport NHS Foundation Trust’s physiotherapy service, the first session will be held on Friday 15^th November (10am – 11am).

Eddie Owen, Community Trust Health & Wellbeing Manager, said:

“The Trust has been working with Parkinson’s UK for some time to carefully design this programme, and I’m delighted that we are finally in a position to launch these regular sessions.

“Our aim is to deliver specialist physical activities to people of all ages, from walking football to seated stretches, within a relaxed, friendly and supportive environment.”

Helen Sturman, Parkinson’s UK Area Development Manager, added:

“Parkinson’s is a life-changing condition and requires long-term treatment to control symptoms.

“However, there are many interventions which allow those with Parkinson’s to continue to live well in daily life. It’s fantastic that Stockport County is meeting this need with their Parkinson’s Wellbeing Programme, and I think it’ll make a massive difference to people’s lives.”

The Parkinson’s Wellbeing Programme is open to participants of all ages and abilities, and at any stage of Parkinson’s diagnosis, and is built on evidence that being active for 2.5 hours a week can help manage symptoms, as well as support physical and mental health.

National charity, Parkinson’s UK is supporting the project through their Physical Activity Grants programme to improve access to Parkinson’s specific sessions across the UK. The charity also offers free training for coaches and instructors to support their understanding of the condition.

Rona Hashim, Physical Activity Grants Manager at Parkinson’s UK, commented:

“We are delighted to be working with Stockport County on this new Parkinson’s project. We hope that more people living with the condition in Stockport and surrounding areas will be able to take advantage of the sessions and enjoy an active lifestyle with the condition.

“Being active when you live with Parkinson’s can be one of the best ways to help you manage your condition, and we hope that this new partnership will help more people get active in a fun and engaging way.”