Leisure centres in Oadby and Wigston are set to offer free membership to people living with Parkinson’s from today.
Parklands Leisure Centre and Wigston Pool, are taking part in the new initiative alongside charity Parkinson’s UK which launches today on World Parkinson’s Day (Monday, April 11).
The free membership will give access to gym, swim and group exercise classes.
In addition, all members will be offered a personalised exercise prescription through EXi, the easy-to-use exercise referral platform, with Synergy Dance online classes also available. Free carer membership will be available, if required.
“Being physically active can play an important role in living well with Parkinson’s”, according to Parkinson’s UK, which carries out research and support for those living with the condition.
Tom Ingram, Corporate Partnerships Manager at the charity, 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.
“Developing a regular physical activity habit can make a person feel more in control when living with the condition. Quality of life can be enhanced and independence and confidence maintained”, he added.
“We hope that with the support of Everyone Active, the Parkinson’s community can enjoy physical activity and use it to make a real difference to their lives.”
Parkinson’s is said to be 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.
Parklands Leisure Centre and Wigston Pool and Fitness Centre are run by operator Everyone Active in partnership with Oadby and Wigston Borough Council (OWBC).
“We are immensely proud to launch this partnership with Parkinson’s UK and hope it will make a real difference to many people’s lives”, said James Naylor, Everyone Active’s contract manager.
“We want to encourage the whole Parkinson’s community to exercise and are confident we have an activity for all, no matter what your age, ability or fitness level.
“Being more active will help members to live well with Parkinson’s, improving their physical fitness and mental wellbeing, as well as having fun.”
For further information or to join, visit https://www.everyoneactive.com/promotion/parkinsons/
To find out more about Parkinson’s UK, visit: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/
