New project to help Parkinson's sufferers

The condition, a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, affects more than 145,000 people in the UK.

Being active can have real benefits to managing symptoms, and pilot work in the North East is starting soon to help people with the disease exercise more regularly.

Parkinson’s UK, the national charity for people with the disease, has teamed up with Sport England to run the Parkinson’s Power Project, which is designed to deliver innovative ways to help people become and stay active.

Tim Morton, who manages the project, said: “We know that being active can really help manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s, as well as increasing physical and mental well-being.

“We also know, however, that there are real barriers faced by people every day to getting and staying active, and we want to learn more about those barriers and how we can overcome them.

“I’m delighted the pilot work for this important project is taking place in the North East and I hope as many people with Parkinson’s and their partners and carers can help us develop some really exciting new ways of enjoying and benefitting from exercise and activity.”

The focus group in Alnwick takes place tomorrow at The White Swan Hotel at 2pm.

You can find out more and book your place by contacting Tim at tmorton@parkinsons.org.uk or calling 07917 267032.