New players invited to Parkinson’s walking football sessions

A walking football group in Westbury for people living with Parkinson’s is encouraging new players to join its weekly sessions.

The free sessions take place every Monday from 11am to 12pm at Westbury Community Project, with time afterwards for players to chat over a drink. The initiative is designed to help people manage Parkinson’s symptoms through gentle exercise and social activity, and is open to anyone living with the condition, as well as carers and family members.

Organisers are currently hoping to build a team to take part in the Parkinson’s UK South West Walking Football Festival, taking place in Portishead on Saturday 6th June. The event will bring together teams from across the region for a day of football, support and information.

Jane Henderson, Area Development Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said, “People with Parkinson’s tell us that getting involved with the classes we run makes a real difference – so why not give our walking football activity a chance?

“We hope that these sessions will encourage people to try something new and help manage the impact of Parkinson’s on their health and wellbeing, meet new people and have fun at the same time.

“No previous experience is required, and we look forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities.”

For more information or to join the sessions, contact Rachael Cornish on 07751 714878 or email rachael.cornish@wiltshire.gov.uk.