Around sixty people came together at Bodmin Leisure Centre last week for the latest Connect and Conquer event organised specifically for local people living with Parkinson’s, to demonstrate the importance of exercise and the choice of activity available.
Multiple activity providers delivered short practical taster sessions which proved to be fun and inclusive for those with Parkinson’s, their carers and accompanying family members – everything from tennis, pickleball and cycling to seated dance, balance and boxing. The sessions ran in rotation so that everyone had the opportunity to have a go at each activity in small, supportive groups.
Professional advice, guidance and signposting was also on hand from organisations such as Parkinson’s Nurses, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapist, NHS Talking Therapies and of course representatives from Parkinson’s UK.
Dr Sophia Hulbert, who is a Parkinson’s Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist with Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust explains: “We know that starting exercise and keeping going can be difficult but with the right information and help at the right time, and someone to go on the journey with you, individuals can achieve so much. This partnership with Active Cornwall is not only resulting in more choice through well-trained Parkinson’s friendly providers but is raising awareness of Parkinson’s and the importance of exercise within that community”.
Feedback from attendees was powerful and positive, and Rob Harrison from Active Cornwall, who leads this award-winning partnership programme alongside Dr Hulbert, says: “This health, community and charity partnership is designed to increase exercise and physical activity provision for people living with Parkinson’s, and encourage them to try new things with providers who are trained to accommodate them. This is our fourth Connect and Conquer event and attendance levels grow each time, so we’re building that all-important peer support in local communities too”.
Active Cornwall provide specific Parkinson’s Awareness Training for physical activity providers through a free online course. Upon completion of this they join a register of activity providers trained to support those with Parkinson’s and certification from the Parkinson’s Excellence Network.
For more details and images from Connect & Conquer please visit our website here: https://www.activecornwall.org/another-connect-and-conquer-success-for-those-living-with-parkinsons/
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