Council to mark World Parkinson’s Day with Centenary event

Stoke-on-Trent is set to host a special event promoting physical activity and offering vital support to those living with Parkinson’s as part of the city’s Centenary celebrations.

The event - held in partnership with Parkinson’s UK and Living Well with Parkinson’s – aims to raise awareness and showcase the benefits of staying active while living with the condition.

‘Parkinson’s 100’ will take place on Friday, 11 April, at Fenton Manor Sports Complex, coinciding with World Parkinson’s Day - an annual global initiative that celebrates the condition’s community and offers support to those affected.

The neurological condition is the fastest growing in the world affecting 153,000 people in the UK.

This event will highlight the positive impact of physical activity in managing symptoms and will provide opportunities to engage with a range of services that can offer advice and support.

Caroline Rassell, Chief Executive at Parkinson’s UK, said: “I’m delighted to see this event is happening in Stoke-on-Trent for World Parkinson’s Day.

“However you mark the day this April, you’re part of an incredible community - raising awareness, funding vital research, and making sure people know about support available to them both locally and centrally through the charity.

“We are always inspired by all the ways people get involved, and with everyone’s creativity, generosity and dedication, we can really be there for every Parkinson's journey."

The event will feature a variety of instructor-led activities designed to cater to different abilities and interests, including adapted yoga, martial arts, walking tennis, cricket, and seated exercises. Representatives from Stoke City and Port Vale Community Foundations will also lead interactive sessions.

Health and wellbeing exhibitors are set to include Parkinson’s nurses, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and social prescribers, plus other local health and care organisations.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Parkinson’s is a condition that affects so many people and their families and it is so important to mark this day and amplify awareness and understanding.

“I am so pleased to have Parkinson’s 100 on our programme of Centenary events this year. With so much going on the day, there is something for everybody. From adapted activities to health advice, this event will highlight the importance of physical activity in managing symptoms and maintaining those social networks that provide vital support and advice to those living with Parkinson’s.

“This is set to be a fantastic event, and I encourage anyone living with Parkinson’s - or those who know someone who is - to come along and be part of this special day.”

Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for adult services, said: “Events like this are a great opportunity to inform people and showcase all of the support that is available within Stoke-on-Trent and the wider Staffordshire area for those living with Parkinson’s. As a council, we are committed to helping all residents live independently for as long as they can and able to access the vital support they need whatever challenges they may face.”

Parkinson’s 100 will take place from 10.30am to 2.30pm, with Noreen’s Recovery Lounge also being open throughout the day to provide drinks, light meals and a social space for people to relax and chat.

For more information about the event, email leisure.services@stoke.gov.uk or visit the Active Stoke website: https://activestoke.co.uk/events/event/34/parkinson-s-100

To find out more about visit the Parkinson’s UK at: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/ or Living Well with Parkinson’s at: www.livingwellwithparkinsonsnorthmidlands.org.uk