New seated sports programme launches for Luton Parkinson's communities

People living with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions in Luton and the surrounding areas of Bedfordshire are being encouraged to try a new seated sports programme in the autumn and winter.  

When: Weekly on Thursdays from 1.30pm to 2.30pm 

Where: Luton Irish Forum, 102 Hitchin Rd, Luton, LU2 0ES

Cost: £5 per person

Delivered by the local team from Parkinson’s UK, the new sessions are designed to be a fun and interactive way for anyone living with Parkinson’s to enjoy an active lifestyle.  

Trained instructors are on hand to offer support and guidance for each participant, with the aim of helping more local people to get active in a social and engaging way. 

Sessions are open to all ages and abilities, with no previous experience of being active required. Activities on offer include seated cricket as well as a wide range of other ball-sports which can all be done while seated.  

Being active can be one of the best ways to live well with Parkinson’s when practiced on a regular basis, and seated exercise can promote better muscle strength, balance and coordination. 

Relatives, friends and carers are also welcome to join in or watch the sessions, with no limits to the number of participants at each session. 

Refreshments are available after the session, and participants are recommended to wear appropriate activewear and footwear, as well as bringing a bottle of water, and any snacks or medication they may require. 

Julie Wilson, Area Development Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: “People with Parkinson’s tell us that getting involved with the classes we run makes a real difference – so why not give our new seated sports session a chance? 

“We hope that these new classes will encourage people to try exercise and help manage the impact of Parkinson’s on their health and wellbeing, meet new people and have fun at the same time.

“No previous experience is required, and we look forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities.”

Parkinson's is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is no cure. Someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the UK every 20 minutes and by 2050, the number of people living with the condition worldwide will double to 25 million. 

Parkinson’s UK is the leading European funder of Parkinson’s research and here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way. For information and support, visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.

To book your place, or for more information about the new sessions, contact Julie Wilson on 07500 097 222 or email [email protected].