Ealing residents with Parkinson's offered free membership to Everyone Active leisure centres

As part of World Parkinson’s Day (11 April 2024), Everyone Active is reminding residents across the borough that it offers free membership to its local leisure centres to people living with Parkinson’s.

Now in its third year, the Everyone Active and Parkinson’s UK free membership provides access to gym, swim and group exercise classes as well as its online synergy dance classes.

The membership is also given to up to three carers of the person living with Parkinson’s if support is needed.

The leisure centres which are run in partnership with Ealing Council are:: Everyone Active Acton Centre, Brent Valley Golf Course and Fitness Centre, Dormers Wells Leisure Centre, Reynolds Sports Centre, Elthorne Sports Centre, Greenford Sports Centre, Northolt Leisure Centre, Swift Road Outdoor Sports Centre and Twyford Sports Centre.

According to Everyone Active, there are currently 46 people in Ealing with Parkinson’s are signed up.

Councillor Polly Knewstub, cabinet member for thriving communities, said: “I am delighted that our sport centre partner, Everyone Active, is continuing with this excellent scheme for residents living with Parkinson’s. We know that regular exercise and physical activity helps people with Parkinson’s manage the symptoms of the condition. If you know any residents living with Parkinson’s please spread the word.”

Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world and there is currently no cure. It affects around 145,000 people in the UK and there are more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.

Phil Edwards, Everyone Active’s contract manager said: “We are immensely proud to be partnering with Parkinson’s UK for the third year running, and truly believe the membership makes a real difference to the lives of those living with the condition and their carers.”

Mr Edwards added: “We want to provide a safe and welcoming environment where the whole Parkinson’s community feel supported as they exercise, and are confident we have an activity for all, no matter what your age, ability or fitness level.”

Tom Ingram, corporate partnerships manager at Parkinson’s UK said: “We’re delighted to partner with Everyone Active, who have very generously offered complimentary membership for people living with Parkinson’s and their carers.”

Mr Ingram added: “Being physically active is important for everyone. It supports both physical and mental health and depending on what you choose, can provide social support and interaction, all of which can really help people living with Parkinson’s and those providing informal care.

“Developing a regular physical activity habit can make a person feel more in control when living with the condition. Quality of life can be enhanced and independence and confidence maintained. We hope that with the support of Everyone Active, the Parkinson’s community can enjoy physical activity and use it to make a real difference to their lives.”

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