Whaley walking football project celebrates World Parkinson’s Day on April 11

A walking football project for people living with Parkinson’s Disease and other long-term conditions in Whaley Bridge and surrounding areas, which launched last October, has marked World Parkinson’s Day by inviting local councillor Ruth George to join their regular Tuesday morning session.

The group, which was formed by local social enterprise Be Well Active, welcomes people with a variety of conditions that mean they appreciate a more gentle approach to physical activity.

Mick Owen, chair of the community business, said: “We’ve been using walking football to improve wellbeing for the communities of Whaley Bridge and the High Peak since 2015 and we’ve already seen how effective the ‘slowed down version of the beautiful game’ can be for people living with long-term health conditions.

"Staying active should be a fun experience and we have always said ‘If you’re not smiling, you’re not doing it right’ so our sessions are designed to be fun and supportive and you can go at your own pace. Thanks to an original grant from Parkinson’s UK, we have been able to welcome members of the Parkinson’s community, people with epilepsy, heart conditions and dementia as well as people coming back after long term injuries or from knee or hip operations.”

World Parkinson’s Day is an opportunity to support the Parkinson’s community, help to raise their voices, and allow them share their experiences of living with Parkinson’s.

Councillor George, a keen footballer in her day, enjoyed the session and afterwards announced that her support included a £300 grant to help continue the session which include warm-ups, skills practices and friendly games, and run every Tuesday from 11:30 to 12:30 on the rubber crumb pitch in Whaley Bridge Memorial Park (Enter off Park Lane, SK23 7DJ).

Anyone from the local community who is living with a long-term health condition is invited to give the new sessions a try. Carers are also welcome to come along and take part. If you are interested in taking part in the new walking football sessions then it’s recommended you wear loose, comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear. Breaks are provided during the sessions, and it’s advisable to bring a bottle of water to help stay hydrated.

Be Well are also active in Glossop and will offering Walking Football and Crown Green Bowling sessions over the summer for people whose wellbeing is in need of a boost thanks to a grant from Derbyshire MIND. The Bowls session started on 4th April and the football will get under way when the new 3G pitch on Cemetery Road is open for business.

For more information about Be Well Active’s session, contact mick.owen@bewellglossop.co.uk or call 07944 605508.

For more information on the importance of physical activity to people living with Parkinson’s see https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/physical-activity-and-exercise