Free memberships at Central Bedfordshire leisure centres for people living with Parkinson’s
“We’re delighted to partner with Everyone Active, who have very generously offered complimentary membership for people living with Parkinson’s and their carers"
Free gym memberships are being offered by local leisure centres to people living with Parkinson's.
Houghton Regis Leisure and Community Centre, Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre, Sandy Leisure and Sports Centre, Flitwick Leisure Centre, The Dunstable Centre, Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre, run by award-winning operator Everyone Active on behalf of Central Bedfordshire Council, offer the initiative co-designed with the charity Parkinson’s UK.
Now in its fifth year, the Everyone Active and Parkinson’s UK free membership provides access to gym, swim and group exercise, as well as online Synergy Dance classes.
A free membership will also be given to up to three carers to provide additional support if needed.
Everyone Active supports 125 individuals in Central Bedfordshire with Parkinson’s, a progressive neurological condition that has no cure. Parkinson’s Awareness Month is currently taking place during the month of April.
Parkinson’s affects around 166,000 people in the UK and there are more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.
Being physically active can play an important role in living well with Parkinson’s. Those living with the condition can find various activities, such as swimming, walking and dance, beneficial in managing their symptoms.
Diane Maple was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2014 at the age of 67 and has been utilising the membership at Flitwick Leisure Centre for more than 10 years.
Diane said: “Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I’ve struggled with stiffness, balance and feeling confident moving around on my own. One of my goals has been to improve dynamic balance during stepping, reaching and transitional movements.
“Coming to the Forever Fit low‑base circuit has given me a safe space to work at my own pace. The exercises are simple but effective and the support from the instructor helps me feel steady and in control.”
Gary Foley, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We are immensely proud to be partnering with Parkinson’s UK for the fifth year running, and truly believe the membership makes a real difference to the lives of those living with the condition and their carers.
“We want to provide a safe and welcoming environment where the whole Parkinson’s community feel supported as they exercise, and are confident we have an activity for all, no matter what your age, ability or fitness level.”
Tom Ingram, corporate partnerships lead at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Everyone Active, who have very generously offered complimentary membership for people living with Parkinson’s and their carers.
“Being physically active is important for everyone. It supports both physical and mental health and depending on what you choose, can provide social support and interaction, all of which can really help people living with Parkinson’s and those providing informal care.
“Developing a regular physical activity habit can make a person feel more in control when living with the condition. Quality of life can be enhanced and independence and confidence maintained. We hope that with the support of Everyone Active, the Parkinson’s community can enjoy physical activity and use it to make a real difference to their lives.”
Cllr Steven Watkins, Executive Member for Leisure Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “We’re committed to ensuring that our leisure centres are welcoming, spaces that support the health and wellbeing of all our residents. We are proud to work with Everyone Active to offer free memberships for people living with Parkinson’s and their carers, helping to remove barriers to staying active. Physical activity can make a significant difference to both physical and mental wellbeing, and this initiative is a fantastic example of how our leisure services can positively impact the lives of people in our communities.”
For further information or to join, visit www.everyoneactive.com/promotion/parkinsons
Those with underlying health conditions such as heart problems, diabetes or breathing issues should contact their GP before starting any new activity.