The group was established by willing volunteers who identified the need for local people with Parkinson’s to access physical activity sessions.
After the pandemic some members of the groups had recognised deterioration in their physical condition and the activity the group offered was vital to improving this. Living Sport funded the group through the Sport England Together Fund to enable them to continue to offer sessions that benefit the community and rebuild their funding and membership base. The project supported the group to run Parkinson’s Warrior sessions and Nordic walking sessions.
A participant of the project said:
“This activity provides me with two different exercise classes per week, both of which are specifically targeted at my condition (Parkinson’s disease). In addition to the actual physical activities the sessions provide motivation to do more, information about the value of the exercises and the opportunity to meet others who suffer with the same problems.”
As a result of the Together Fund project, Active with Parkinson’s Cambs have benefitted from increased financial security and it has highlighted the importance of forward planning (of finances and recruitment of new attendees) to ensure survival of the group. The group has fluctuating attendances caused by changes in attendees’ condition and the funded has help to support the sessions during these times.
Deb, the organiser of Active for Parkinson’s Cambs says “it has given me breathing space so the organisation can accrue class fees to provide a financial buffer and has also meant that I can use some of those funds to buy equipment. We have been able to purchase smoveys (fitness equipment) so that we are able to provide an indoor alternative to Nordic walking during the winter months. I’ve also purchased some weights for the Parkinson’s Warrior based class so that any new starters can be provided the correct equipment from the outset until they decide if the class is suitable for them and can then provide their own.”
Click here to find out more about Active for Parkinson’s Cambs.
Sophie Etheridge – Adaptive Athlete “I have always swum but not always been disabled…” Sophie, a determined and passionate individual, has faced numerous challenges since her cycling accident in 2011.
Once this framework has been published, we encourage partners to consider how they can implement the framework to make a real change for disabled people to access physical activity, sport, and leisure in the way they want, when they want, with no barriers placed on them by society.
In partnership with the South Care Partnership, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICS and Cambridge United Community Trust, Living Sport are coordinating a walking football project in South Cambridgeshire running from March 2023.
Our aim is to improve health, happiness and wellbeing by supporting people to be active, in a meaningful way through programmes, events and influencing policy. Your donations are hugely appreciated and help make this possible.
