Free leisure centre memberships for those living with Parkinson’s
Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre and Stradbroke Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre, run by award-winning operator Everyone Active in partnership with Mid Suffolk District Council, offer the initiative co-designed with the charity Parkinson’s UK.
The membership is poised to enter its fourth year on World Parkinson’s Day on Friday, April 11, providing access to gym, swim and group exercise, as well as online Synergy Dance classes.
A free membership can be given to up to three carers to provide additional support, if needed.
Everyone Active currently supports 19 people in Mid Suffolk living with Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s affects around 145,000 people in the UK and there are more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety. It is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world and there is currently no cure.
Being physically active can play an important role in living well with Parkinson’s. Those living with the condition can find various activities, such as swimming, walking and dance beneficial in managing their symptoms.
John Hunter was diagnosed with Parkinson’s around 18 months ago and, in addition, subsequently underwent a knee replacement. The free Parkinson’s membership has made a huge difference to his daily life.
He started with some supported gym sessions with Olly Clayden, fitness motivator at Mid Suffolk Leisure Centre in Stowmarket.
John said: “Olly was really helpful and the gym is fantastic. It has excellent facilities – now I can feel my quads again!”
Branching out to more resistance machines and the treadmill, John’s gait is a lot surer, he can walk faster and his confidence has improved.
“It makes you feel good when you can do things,” added John, who also attends a weekly Parkinson’s exercise group at the centre which he describes as “superb”.
Anselm Gurney, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said:
“We are immensely proud to be partnering with Parkinson’s UK for the fourth year running. We truly believe the membership makes a real difference to those living with the condition and their carers.
“We want to provide a safe and welcoming environment where the whole Parkinson’s community feel supported, and are confident we have an activity for all, no matter what your age, ability or fitness level.”
Tom Ingram, corporate partnerships manager at Parkinson’s UK, 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. 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.”
Cllr Tim Weller, Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet member for Environment, Culture and Wellbeing said:
“We are delighted to support this initiative as being physically active is so important for helping to manage symptoms, as well as improving confidence and mental wellbeing, for those with Parkinson’s and their carers.
"We want everyone to have access to sport and fitness facilities within their communities and will continue to support our residents’ needs.”
For further information or to join, visit the Everyone Active website.
Those with underlying health conditions such as heart problems, diabetes or breathing issues should contact their GP before starting any new activity.
