People in North Herts affected by Parkinson's are being encouraged to attend special events as part of a UK-wide awareness campaign. These efforts coincide with the availability of free gym and swim memberships aimed at supporting their health and wellbeing.

As part of the Parkinson's UK Roadshow, the North Herts Leisure Centre will host a free coffee morning on 11 April from 11:00 to 12:00 in observance of Parkinson's Awareness Day. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the centre, explore local activities, and sign up for memberships.

Next month, on 2 May, the Royston Leisure Centre will host another coffee morning from 13:30 to 15:30 as part of the Roadshow. This event will include an introduction to Parkinson's UK's support services, a walk around the centre's facilities, membership sign-ups, refreshments, and a trial pickleball session.

Both events aim to connect people with Parkinson's and their caregivers to local support services and encourage them to explore the benefits of physical activity.

Everyone Active, which manages local leisure centres in partnership with North Herts Council, has been offering free memberships for people with Parkinson's for four years. The initiative, co-designed with Parkinson's UK, also provides complimentary memberships for up to three carers per person to offer additional support.

Currently, 73 people in North Herts benefit from the scheme, with numbers increasing in recent years, reflecting the global rise in Parkinson's cases. Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurological condition worldwide, affecting around 153,000 people in the UK. It presents more than 40 symptoms, including tremors, muscle stiffness, and anxiety, and there is currently no cure. However, staying active can play a crucial role in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being. Research shows that activities such as swimming, walking, and dance can help with mobility, balance, and mental health.

Paul Dunstan, General Manager at North Herts Leisure Centre, added: "We are incredibly proud to support people living with Parkinson's and their carers through our free membership scheme and upcoming Parkinson's UK Roadshow events. Staying active can make a real difference in managing symptoms and improving overall wellbeing, and our leisure centres provide a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone. We encourage anyone affected by Parkinson's to come along to one of our events, meet our friendly team, and see how we can help them stay active and connected."

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 North Herts will be supporting more people to try new activities for World Parkinson's Day. Everyone Active continues to offer free memberships for people living with Parkinson's and their carers, and it's fantastic that more people across North Herts will have an opportunity to get active in April."

Sarah Kingsley, Director - Environment, at North Herts Council, commented: "This is a fantastic scheme helping those in the district living with Parkinson's. A regular exercise programme can really help manage physical symptoms and improve mental health."

No booking is necessary for the coffee mornings. For more information, visit: www.everyoneactive.com/promotion/parkinsons. Anyone with underlying health conditions should consult their GP before starting a new activity. For further details on the Parkinson's UK Roadshow, visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk.