Free leisure memberships for those with Parkinson’s

Leisure centres across North Herts are set to offer free memberships to people who are living with Parkinson’s.

North Herts Leisure Centre, Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre, Fearnhill Sports Centre and Royston Leisure Centre, run by award-winning operator Everyone Active (EA) in partnership with the council, offer the initiative co-designed with the charity Parkinson’s UK.

The free membership gives access to gym, swim and group exercise classes, as well as online Synergy Dance classes, and up to three carers to provide support if needed. Separately, John Molyneux of Molyfit (pictured above) has been commissioned by Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership to provide expert advice to EA personal trainers on how they can support those with Parkinson’s in a gym environment.

Currently, Everyone Active is supporting over 3,000 individuals across Hertfordshire with Parkinson’s, a number which is only growing, mirroring the global trend of the condition’s escalation. Parkinson’s is 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.

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.

Gary Abrams (pictured right) from Royston, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s nine years ago. He said: "It’s definitely worth joining, all the exercises are specific to those with Parkinson’s and they’re different to what I’m used to so it’s great to do something new which I know will be of benefit to my symptoms and general wellbeing."

Chris Williams, Everyone Active’s Area Contract Manager, said: "We are immensely proud to be partnering with Parkinson’s UK, and truly believe the membership will make a real difference to the lives of those living with the condition and their carers."

Sarah Kingsley, Service Director for Place at North Herts Council, said: "This is a fantastic scheme helping those in the district living with Parkinson’s. A regular exercise programme can really help manage physical symptoms and improve mental health, and importantly their carers can join and support them."

Tom Ingram, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Parkinson’s UK, added: "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."

For further information or to join, please visit: Parkinson's - Everyone Active