Stockport County Community Trust is working with Parkinson’s UK to provide support for local people living with the condition.

The Parkinson’s Wellbeing Programme comprises two individual projects. The first, an indoor walking football session based at Cheadle Hulme’s Pro Football Arena, will take place on the first Tuesday of every month, starting with an Introduction to Walking Football session on 5November from 3pm to 4pm.

The second, a weekly physical activity session, will be hosted at Edgeley Park itself and will be delivered by Community Trust coaches in association with Stockport NHS Foundation Trust’s physiotherapy service. Designed to ease and manage symptoms by utilising gentle movement, the first session will be held on Friday 15th November (10am – 11am).

Both sessions are open to all ages and abilities and for all stages of Parkinson’s diagnosis. Being active for 2.5 hours a week can help manage Parkinson’s symptoms and has a positive impact both physically and mentally. Physical activity can be as important as getting the right dose of medication.

Parkinson’s UK is supporting the project through their Physical Activity Grants programme which is helping more providers and clubs to deliver Parkinson’s specific sessions across the UK. The charity will also offer free training for instructors and coaches to give them a better understanding of the condition and help them deliver more sessions for people living with Parkinson’s.

Eddie Owen, Community Trust Health & Wellbeing Manager, said:

“The Trust has been working with Parkinson’s UK for some time to carefully design this programme, and I’m delighted that we are finally in a position to launch these regular sessions.

“Our aim is to deliver specialist physical activities to people of all ages, from walking football to seated stretches, within a relaxed, friendly and supportive environment.”

Helen Sturman, Parkinson’s UK Area Development Manager, added:

“Parkinson’s is a life-changing condition and requires long-term treatment to control symptoms.

“However, there are many interventions which allow those with Parkinson’s to continue to live well in daily life. It’s fantastic that Stockport County is meeting this need with their Parkinson’s Wellbeing Programme, and I think it’ll make a massive difference to people’s lives.”

Rona Hashim, Physical Activity Grants Manager at Parkinson’s UK, commented:

“We are delighted to be working with Stockport County on this new Parkinson’s project. We hope that more people living with the condition in Stockport and surrounding areas will be able to take advantage of the sessions and enjoy an active lifestyle with the condition.

“Being active when you live with Parkinson’s can be one of the best ways to help you manage your condition, and we hope that this new partnership will help more people get active in a fun and engaging way.”

Anyone wishing to book their place on either session (or obtain more details) may email Eddie on [email protected]