Running from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., attendees will have the chance to connect with professionals and gain insights into the different ways people living with Parkinson’s can live well and stay active.
Managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Crawley Borough Council, the leisure centre is inviting anyone from the local community living with Parkinson’s, alongside their carers to attend.
This year’s World Parkinson’s Day will see iconic landmarks around the world lighting up blue to shine a light on Parkinson's. With this in mind, attendees are encouraged to wear or bring something blue to the event at K2 Crawley.
Currently, Everyone Active support 51 individuals in the Crawley borough with Parkinson’s, through its free membership programme.
Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world and there is currently no cure. It affects around 153,000 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.
The interactive event at K2 Crawley, will showcase various activities designed to support individuals living with Parkinson’s, including Table Tennis, Bowls, Ballet and Pilates.
Additionally, existing Everyone Active members who benefit from the free Parkinson’s membership will be on hand to share the benefits of accessing the leisure centre, alongside free gym tours.
On the day, attendees can also learn how to register for their free Everyone Active Parkinson’s membership.
Everyone Active has a long-standing partnership with Parkinson’s UK and offers free membership for those living with Parkinson’s, at over 190 Everyone Active sites nationwide.
Jon Hodgson, Everyone Active contract manager, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting this event at K2 Crawley, to celebrate World Parkinson’s Day. We know how important it is for people living with Parkinson’s to be active, for both their physical and mental wellbeing. We welcome anyone from the local community impacted by Parkinson’s to join us and benefit from what will be both an informative and supportive event.”
Councillor Sue Mullins, Cabinet member for Community Engagement and Culture, said: “We are very happy to support Everyone Active in promoting inclusivity in sport through this important awareness event being held at K2 Crawley.”
Anna Castiaux, Physical Activity Programme Lead at Parkinson's UK, said: "Being active can be one of the best ways for people to live well with Parkinson's and it's great to see that Everyone Active and our local group in Crawley will be supporting more people to try new activities for World Parkinson's Day.
"Everyone Active continues to offer free memberships for people living with Parkinson's and their carers, and it's fantastic that more people across Sussex will have an opportunity to get active in April."
Patrick Brady, Chair Crawley & East Grinstead Branch Parkinson’s UK, said: “I would like to thank all colleagues at Crawley Borough Council and Everyone Active for their support in promoting the importance of World Parkinson’s Day.
“Their input is most welcome in focusing on the key features of Parkinson’s and the daily difficulties faced by sufferers and their carers. The positive approach in highlighting the value of exercise in improving mental and physical well-being will be of great value to local people in Crawley and East Grinstead.”
To extend the work K2 Crawley is delivering alongside Parkinson’s UK, a consultation during the event will give individuals the opportunity to suggest activities and events that the Parkinson's community would like to see in the future. Plans to launch a monthly Parkinson's Community Cafe for example, are currently being finalised.
The Everyone Active and Parkinson’s UK free membership provides access to gym, swim and group exercise classes, as well as online Synergy Dance classes. 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.