People living with Parkinson’s in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas are being invited to try a new exercise and activity group which is set to help more people get active in a fun and social way.
Organised by registered charity BH Live, with support from Parkinson’s UK, the new active sessions will launch in January 2025 at Littledown Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, BH7 7DX.
The first session is free to join, with further classes then charged at a subsidised rate of £2.50 per person. All ages and abilities are welcome to come along and take part, and relatives and carers are also welcome to watch or join in as well.
Parkinson’s UK has awarded a funding boost of £1,500 from their Physical Activity Grants programme to help BH Live start the new classes. It is hoped that more people living with Parkinson’s in the local area will be able to get active.
Recent research by Parkinson’s UK has shown that participating in regular high-intensity exercise, can have a positive impact on an individual’s neuron health. In some cases, it has been shown to slow or reverse the development of symptoms*.
The exercise classes have been designed to challenge many of the problem areas associated with Parkinson’s, including balance, muscle strength and coordination. BH Live Active’s instructors have been specially trained to deliver classes for anyone living with a neurological condition, such as Parkinson’s.
Other benefits of regular physical activity can include increased confidence, better cognitive function, and improved wellbeing, such as better sleep, reduced anxiety and fatigue.
Littledown is owned by BCP Council and is managed and operated in partnership with BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise.
Viv Galpin, Health and Wellbeing Manager for BH Live, said:
“We are pleased to be working with Parkinson’s UK to encourage those with a Parkinson’s diagnosis to discover how being regularly active can empower them, and help them to manage their symptoms.
“As a condition, Parkinson’s can affect people in many different ways, but with our support and guidance, we aim to help people manage and, in some cases, reduce the impact of their symptoms.
“We also hope that the new sessions will allow more people living locally to meet others who are sharing the same experience of living with Parkinson’s and allow them to get active in a fun and engaging way.”
Roma Hashim, Physical Activity Grants Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said:
“We are delighted to be working with BH Live on their new physical activity project for the local Parkinson’s community.
“We have already seen several new groups launch in the Bournemouth area with resounding success and we hope that BH Live will be the next exercise success story.
“Being active when you live with Parkinson’s can be just as important as getting the right dose of medication – and it’s good fun too.
“Our Physical Activity Grant funding and training for exercise professionals is helping more groups to deliver Parkinson’s-specific sessions for local communities and we hope that more people in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas will be able to get involved.”
If you would like to register for the new classes or find out more about BH Live, contact communityclasses@bhlive.org.uk.
For more information about Littledown’s opening times, facilities, and activities visit bhliveactive.org.uk/littledown.
More information about BH Live’s health and wellbeing programmes can be found online at bhliveactive.org.uk/health-and-wellbeing-activities.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
*Why high intensity exercise matters when you have Parkinson’s | Parkinson’s UK
For more information about BH Live:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
press.office@bhlive.org.uk
For more information about Parkinson’s UK:
Claudia Christie, Senior Media & PR Officer
cchristie@parkinsons.org.uk
About BH Live
Champions of community engagement, health and wellness across Dorset, Hampshire, and London
BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, is a leading operator of sports and leisure centres, theatres, and event venues. Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.
With a strong commitment to accessibility and community engagement, BH Live continues to enhance the quality of people’s lives, health and wellbeing in the communities it serves.
BH Live was established in 2010. Local authority partners include BCP Council, Portsmouth City Council and Croydon Council.
We are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy. Together with our partners we are helping to change lives and make a positive impact in the community.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us: LinkedIn, X – @BHLIVE_UK | Facebook @SocialEnterpriseBHLive | Instagram @bhliveuk
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About Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s UK
Parkinson’s is what happens when the brain cells that make dopamine start to die. There are more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety. Some are treatable, but the drugs can have serious side effects. It gets worse over time and there’s no cure. Yet.
Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. Around 153,000 people in the UK have Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s UK is the leading charity supporting those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s through pioneering research, information, support and campaigning.
Read more facts and statistics.
Further information, advice and support is available on our website, www.parkinsons.org.uk or our free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.
About Littledown Centre
Littledown is operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
Set in 47 acres of parkland, Littledown has some of the finest leisure, swimming, football and gym facilities in the country.
It is ranked among the top performing leisure centres in the UK, is accredited by quality scheme QUEST and is a National Fitness Award winner for the Local Authority/Leisure Trust Gym of the Year and finalist for the Best Group Exercise Gym of the Year.
It has more than 1.2 million attendances a year and is home to clubs including BH Live’s Swimming Academy, Swim Bournemouth, Littledown Juniors Football Club and Play Football. Indoor facilities include 25-metre and 17-metre swimming pools for lane swimming, public swimming sessions, pool-based classes and lessons. There is also a splash pool, steam room and sauna.
The venue has one of the largest gyms in the region complete with activity programmes for young people, and support for people recovering from an illness, injury or who are living with a long-term health condition. There are multiple training zones with ground level and lift access. There is something to suit every activity preference and level of fitness with cardio equipment, free weights and functional fitness training space. Hundreds of group exercise classes run seven days a week such as Group Cycle sessions, circuits, yoga, Pilates, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) and Les Mills™ classes including BodyBalance, BodyPump, BodyCombat, BodyAttack, Sprint and more.
There is a large sports hall for events and multi-sport activities including trampolining, badminton, table tennis, football and gymnastics. Open to members and non members is Littledown’s Terrace Café (with soft play for under 5s) and Lookout at Littledown Bar (18+ only), each with free customer WiFi. Here you can buy all sorts of snacks, meals and drinks to enjoy indoors or outdoors for al fresco refueling, eating, drinking and socialising.
Outdoor features include six floodlit 3G rubber crumb training pitches, grass football pitches, parkland for recreation and events, a cricket pitch and pavilion, lake, children’s playground, a paddling pool (open summer months only), outdoor catering and free customer parking for up to three hours seven days a week. Littledown Park is also home to Littledown Miniature Railway.
ANPR is in operation at BH Live Active, Littledown. Customers get free customer parking for up to 3 hours seven days a week. Charges apply for longer stays.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/littledown
Get social with us: X and Instagram @bhliveactive | Facebook @littledowncentre