Sheffield venue for major Parkinson’s UK event in October
People from all over South Yorkshire are being invited to an enlightening event, organised by the local volunteers from Parkinson’s UK, partnering with Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC).
The drop-in event takes place on Saturday, October 8, between 11am and 4pm, at the AWRC in Attercliffe (S9 3TY).
The day’s programme is aimed not only for people living with Parkinson’s, but also for their friends and family, and anyone with a professional interest in the field. That could include staff from care homes, health and social work professionals, exercise and activity providers or more.
What’s on offer is an informative and free event, with plenty to do whether you have Parkinson’s or not. The discussions include sessions about medication, exercise, diet and staying well. There will be a chance for fitness testing, for you to try out different styles of exercise of benefit to people with Parkinson’s, and your chance to offer up suggestions for future topics at regular monthly events.
Volunteers are also working with researchers at Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield to offer special insights to anyone with an interest.
While the event has been organised by the Sheffield Branch, they’ve chosen a location easy to access from the city, plus Rotherham, Doncaster, Barnsley and beyond, and are hoping for a good turn out to this free event.
Welcome return
Bhanu, one of the committee organisers says: “It’s a welcome return to in-person meetings, after two years of lockdown zoom meetings, capturing ideas suggested by informed and engaged peer members with Parkinson’s at past events.”
Pamela Goff, branch chair, said: “I am thrilled to welcome everyone in South Yorkshire who is interested in, or affected by Parkinson’s. This event has been made possible by a legacy from a generous Sheffield family.
“We have all spent the last two years in exceptional circumstances – making the best of our lives, given the restrictions of the pandemic. Research shows that life improves when we socialise – and this is more important for those who have been diagnosed with the condition.
“This event is a celebration of freedom and independence that we all strive for and previously took for granted.
“Parkinson’s is a complex condition – no two people have the same experience of living with it. This event will demonstrate different ways in which we can manage our own lives. Whether you have been recently diagnosed - feeling alone and shellshocked or you have lived with Parkinson’s for a while, I am sure you will discover something that will interest you during the event.”
Personal experience
Nicky Banyard is living with Parkinson’s, and moved to Sheffield in 2019. She said: “I’d been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease four years earlier. Being a progressive disease, I have needed to tackle ongoing changes in my condition as they crop up.
“On my first hospital appointment at the Hallamshire, the Parkinson’s Nurse told me about the local Parkinson’s group. From then onwards, everything is history!
“I joined their weekly keep fit class. This was initially via zoom (followed by a short quiz). I was able to meet my fellow class members for the first time a year ago when face to face classes resumed.
“My husband and I also joined the monthly Parkinson’s family walking group, which provides the opportunity of networking with others, as well as a spot of regular exercise.”
She added: “Furthermore, I signed up to become a volunteer on the Sheffield Parkinson’s Committee. I was quite surprised when I was nominated for and won a Volunteer Award last year!
“The special event on the 8th October will be a great opportunity for learning, assessing fitness, and networking to help maintain good health for others like me.”
How to join?
The day has been organised so you can register in advance if there is a specific class you would like to try or book in for the Functional Fitness test, otherwise simply turn up on the date.
To find out more click here or email Bhanu at [email protected].