Free yoga socials specifically created for people affected by Parkinson’s are being launched by Parkinson’s UK with a three-hour event in Bolton this week.
The special launch event, being held at Victoria Hall from 10.15am on Tuesday June 19th, will include taster sessions of seated and floor yoga along with refreshments and lunch, provided by corporate volunteers from M&S.
The launch is set to kick off weekly Parkinson’s Yoga Cafés at the Hall, which will include yoga classes to help people with Parkinson’s overcome symptoms that can cause stiffness and rigidity, while also offering the opportunity to socialise and meet new friends.
The sessions are the brainchild of local grandfather Keith Lewthwaite – the Parkinson's UK Bolton Branch Secretary. He said: “We really wanted to hold a regular event where local people affected by the condition could come together in a relaxed environment to meet others in the same situation and chat. But, we also wanted to offer the opportunity to learn something worthwhile that will help improve symptoms – and yoga is brilliant for that.
“There’s no other support like this in Bolton at the moment, so we’re hoping that lots of people will be able to join us for the launch event to have a go and see what it’s all about.”
The yoga sessions will be run by qualified local yoga teacher, Karen Sherborne, in conjunction with Parkinson’s UK. These classes will aim to help people with Parkinson’s increase strength, flexibility, balance and wellbeing. Ms Sherborne, said: “Yoga has health benefits for everyone, but for people with Parkinson’s it particularly helps increase flexibility, balance, while also giving greater strength, fewer muscle cramps, easier breathing and peace of mind.
“These yoga cafés will be informal and fun– there’s no need book and the exercises are ideal for someone who’s never tried it before, but are also a great workout for people who have.”
One in 350 people in UK have Parkinson’s; a progressive neurological condition that can leave people struggling to walk, speak and sleep. Yoga and other types of exercise are particularly important for people with Parkinson’s as research shows that two and half hours of exercise a week can help slow progression of symptoms. It also has a positive impact on wellbeing and mental health.
The regular Parkinson’s Yoga Café will run monthly at Victoria Hall from Tuesday 17 July. To find out more, contact Rebecca Ward-Dooley at Parkinson’s UK on 0300 123 3672 or rward-dooley@parkinsons.org.uk.