Residents living with Parkinson’s across Havering can access free fitness memberships through a partnership between local leisure operator Everyone Active and Parkinson’s UK.
Central Park Leisure Centre, Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre, Noak Hill Sports Complex, Rainham Leisure Centre and Sapphire Ice and Leisure, which are managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Havering Council, are participating in this nationwide initiative.
This April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and Everyone Active is urging more residents living with Parkinson’s to take advantage of the scheme, which provides full access to gym facilities, swimming pools and exercise classes for patients and up to three of their carers.
The free membership programme, now in its fourth year nationally, aims to help those managing the progressive neurological condition, which causes symptoms ranging from tremors and pain to anxiety.
Currently, 89 people in Havering benefit from the scheme, with numbers increasing in recent years, reflecting the global rise in Parkinson’s cases.
Tom Fletcher, Everyone Active area contract manager, said: “We are immensely proud to be partnering with Parkinson’s UK for the fourth year running, and truly believe the membership makes a real difference to the lives of those living with the condition and their carers.
“Physical activity plays a crucial role in symptom management and we’re creating an environment at our centres where people with Parkinson’s and their support networks can exercise with confidence.”
The initiative comes as medical professionals increasingly recognise exercise as a key component in maintaining quality of life for those with the condition.
Anna Castiaux, Physical Activity Programme Lead at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Being active can be one of the best ways for people to live well with Parkinson’s and it’s great to see that Everyone Active and our local group in Havering will be supporting more people to try new activities.
“Everyone Active continues to offer free memberships for people living with Parkinson’s and their carers, and it’s fantastic that more people across Havering will have an opportunity to get active in April.”
Councillor Gillian Ford, Deputy Leader of Havering Council and Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said:
“We want residents living with Parkinson’s in the borough and their carers to feel welcome to visit Havering’s leisure centres and stay active even if they are experiencing physical symptoms and challenges.
“By Everyone Active providing free access to leisure facilities, we hope it will to ensure all residents living with Parkinson’s get the full benefits of exercise, which could make such a positive contribution to their physical and mental health.”
Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world and there is currently no cure. It affects around 153,000 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.
Beyond traditional gym activities, participants can access specialised Synergy Dance classes online, designed to accommodate varying mobility levels.
Medical clearance is recommended for those with additional health conditions before beginning new exercise routines.