Hampshire communities are invited to join a free local wellbeing and information event in April

People in Southampton and the surrounding areas of Hampshire who have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, or who have a connection to the condition, are invited to a free information event to learn more about living well with Parkinson’s.

The event will take place on World Parkinson’s Day, Saturday 11 April, from 12pm to 3pm at the Jubilee Sport and Recreation Centre, University Road, Highfield, SO17 1BJ.

Organised by Southampton Sport in partnership with Parkinson’s UK, the event will offer people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones information, advice and guidance on the support available locally.

Throughout the afternoon, there will be guest talks aimed at supporting those with a diagnosis, alongside drop-in sports sessions and tailored fitness classes. Staff from Parkinson’s UK will be available to answer questions about the condition, while Southampton Sport staff will be on hand to help attendees sign up for a free complimentary gym membership.

Attendees are welcome to drop in at any time during the event, and refreshments will be available at the on-site café.

Schedule at the event will include:

12:00 - 15:00 - Table Tennis Drop In & Play

12:00 - 15:00 - Badminton Drop In & Play

12:00 - 15:00 - Walking Football Drop In & Play

12:30 - 13:00 - Benefits of Exercise for Those with a Parkinson's Diagnosis Talk

13:00 - 13:30 - Parkinson's Exercise Class

Leigh Stroud, Area Development Manager, Parkinson’s UK, said:

“Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s can be a shock and adapting to life with the condition can be hard for the person involved and their loved ones too. But we know that getting the right information and support at the right time can make all the difference.

“That’s why we’re proud to be able to offer this opportunity to people across Southampton who are living with Parkinson’s and look forward to welcoming people to this very special event.

“It is vital that we can support everyone affected by Parkinson’s, so that together, we can move towards everyone with the condition feeling empowered to take back control of their life with Parkinson’s.”

Parkinson's is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is no cure. Someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the UK every 20 minutes and by 2050, the number of people living with the condition worldwide will double to 25 million.

Parkinson’s UK is the leading European funder of Parkinson’s research and here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way. For information and support, visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.

For info and booking contact Leigh Stroud, [email protected] or call 07955 267 385.