It's a bumper issue this month for Parkinsons, so please have a read of the below opportunities for exercise providers for those living with Parkinson's.
New people are welcome to sign up at any time, you just need to contact Kirsty McDowell on [email protected].
Parkinson's Punchers features on ITV Tyne Tees
Parkinson's Punchers Boxing Group is run by Billingham Boxing Academy and it's incredible to see this feature on the
ITV news!
New attendees are always welcome! For more information about the Punchers, please visit
Parkinson's Punchers.
Parkinson's personal trainer register
Parkinson's UK is supporting the launch of a growing database of accredited Parkinson's personal trainers and exercise coaches which has been created by leading exercise and wellbeing provider, 4D Life.
Save the date: Exercise Hub Study Day, Friday 26th September 2025
Parkinson's UK's ever popular Exercise Hub Study Day is back! The event will be held on Friday 26th September 2025, in collaboration with the Parkinson's UK Excellence Network.
The full day event will take place in Birmingham City Centre, and will be a high quality teaching and networking event.
Physical activity grants now open
Parkinson's UK's physical activity grants are back. Providers can apply for a grant of between £500 and £3000.
Working age Walk & Talk, Sunday 11th May 2025
Herrington Country Park (near Penshaw Monument)
We invite anyone of working age with Parkinson's and their family/friends to join us for our Walk and Talk event to enjoy a friendly walk and meet others affected by Parkinson's. Bring the family, bring your partner, bring your dog!
Tickets for the walk are free but must be pre-booked at
Eventbrite.
Please help us spread the word!
New activities launching this month
There are absolutely loads of new physical activity classes starting up around the North East, including:
If you know people who might like to attend, please let them know about these new activities as we would like to reach as many people as possible!
Fighting Fit Parkinson's residential weekends 2025
This year there will be 3 Fighting Fit weekends in 2025 across the south of England. These are residential so may be of interest to those who don't mind travelling.
The weekends are designed by and for people with Parkinson's who have generally been diagnosed within the last 5 years and are able to take part in fairly rigorous exercise.
More details are at www.parkinsons.org.uk/fighting-fit
Catch up from Parkinson's research event
This isn't physical activity related, but people may be interested to
watch the keynote talk from our Darlington Research Event in November, which is now available online. Dr Lou Wiblin talks about Parkinson's services in the South Tees area.
You can also read a summary of all the research projects discussed on the day - from the 'Keep on Keep Up' exercise study, to developing support for carers, improving speech and swallowing, and more.
Our next North East Research Information Event will be in November 2025 in Sunderland. To stay informed, visit www.parkinsonsnec-rig and scroll to the bottom of the page to sign up to the Parkinson's North East & Cumbria Research Interest Group (NEC-RIG) e-newsletter.
Support the Parky Charter
Please support the Movers and Shakers Parky Charter by signing the petition. Parkinson's UK is supporting the Movers & Shakers new petition, alongside Cure Parkinson's and Spotlight YOPD, to call on the government to take action to improve the lives of people with Parkinson's. The petition is aiming to get 100,000 signatures before the six-month deadline in order to be considered for a debate in parliament.
Do join us by signing the petition!
Sign now at www.petition.parliament.uk/petitions
