Last Wednesday was the first of the weekly Parkinson’s UK & MolyFit Parkinson’s meet-up at the Bushmead Community Hub in Luton. I wanted to explain what happens in these groups and what you should expect.

First of all, it is a safe space where you can be yourself and meet other people that can help and support you. The main aim of the group is to help you overcome the challenges of Parkinson’s. The session begins at 1:30 pm and we sit down and have a chat. I will then work my way around the room and give individual advice on how to manage your symptoms using exercise techniques. We will also be joined by different experts to offer advice. For example, Joanna Aldridge – Local adviser at Parkinson’s UK will be with us this week.

There are over 40 symptoms of Parkinson’s. I asked everyone in the group to write down their main symptom on that day. As you can see from the photo, there was a range of different symptoms affecting the group. I gave everyone in the group one exercise to help manage their symptom, asking them to practice it daily until the next session. I don’t believe in giving someone a sheet of 10 different exercises that they are expected to do daily. I’d rather keep it simple, work on the main area that is bothering someone and build from there.  

If you have trouble with walking, freezing, tight muscles, balance, posture, tremor or are feeling lonely or isolated, please come and join us. Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.

Group meetings run every Wednesday from 1:30 – 3pm.