Creative arts project invites people with Parkinson’s to help children understand the condition

People living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones across Greater Manchester are being invited to take part in a new creative arts project designed to help children understand Parkinson’s in a fun and imaginative way.

The project, led by Tameside-based participatory arts company Made by Mortals, is being delivered through their Hearts & Minds community group, which brings together older creatives, artists, and musicians.

In collaboration with Parkinson’s UK, the group is looking for local people affected by Parkinson’s to help co-create a radio-play style story for Armchair Adventures, Made by Mortals’ award-winning children’s podcast.

Free weekly workshops for people with Parkinson’s, their family members, friends, and carers will take place from Thursday 27 November, 10:15am to 12pm, at Guide Bridge Theatre in Audenshaw.

Participants will work with professional artists and musicians to develop ideas and characters, culminating in the recording of a new Armchair Adventures episode all about Parkinson’s for children aged 6–10.

Anyone interested in getting involved or finding out more can contact Tess by email at tess@madebymortals.org or by phone on 07450 388 632.

Helen Sturman, Area Development Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We know it can sometimes be difficult to explain Parkinson’s, especially to younger people, so I’m delighted to be working with Made by Mortals on this project to help create a recording that will share people’s experiences of Parkinson’s in a fun and accessible way.

“I’d encourage anyone living locally affected by Parkinson’s who is interested in taking part in the workshops to get in touch with Tess. No artistic experience is needed – just bring your voice, ideas, and enthusiasm!”

Tess Keeble, Relationship Manager at Made by Mortals, added: “The Hearts & Minds workshops are a great opportunity to share your ideas, get creative, and meet new people.

“It’s thanks to people’s willingness to share their lived experiences and imaginations that we can create recordings, stories, and characters that highlight important health and social care issues. I’d love for you to join us!”

Parkinson’s is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time and has more than 40 symptoms, ranging from tremor and pain to anxiety. There is currently no cure. Someone in the UK is diagnosed with Parkinson’s every 20 minutes, and by 2050, the number of people living with the condition worldwide is expected to double to 25 million.

Parkinson’s UK is the leading European funder of Parkinson’s research and supports everyone affected by the condition. For more information and support, visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.

Made by Mortals is an award-winning participatory arts organisation based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. The group brings lived experience to life through co-created audio stories, theatre, film, and music that connect generations and communities.

Their internationally streamed children’s podcast, Armchair Adventures, has over 500,000 listens and has been recognised by the BBC, the Royal Society for Public Health, and the British Podcast Awards.

To find out more, visit www.madebymortals.org.