Local leisure centre hosts special event for people living with Parkinson’s

Westcroft Leisure Centre is hosting a special event on Friday, April 11, in celebration of
World Parkinson’s Day 2025.

Managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Sutton Council, the leisure centre is inviting anyone from the local community living with Parkinson’s, alongside their carers to attend.

Running from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 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.

Currently, Everyone Active in partnership with Sutton Council, supports 147 individuals with Parkinson’s in Sutton, 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 Westcroft Leisure Centre, will showcase various activities designed to support individuals living with Parkinson’s, including a Parkinson’s Circuits class.

Additionally, advice and information will be available from Sutton Health and Care’s Neuro- Physio Team, and Everyone Active’s GP Exercise Referral Scheme.

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.

Rebecca Eyles, Everyone Active contract manager, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting this event, to celebrate World Parkinson’s Day. 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.

“We know how important it is for people living with Parkinson’s to be active, for both their
physical and mental wellbeing. Regular exercise allows individuals to live well and better
manage the complexities of the condition."

The Mayor of Sutton, Councillor Colin Stears said: "I'm incredibly proud that Westcroft Leisure Centre is hosting such a vital event for World Parkinson's Day 2025. Supporting
those living with Parkinson's and their carers is crucial, and the work of organisations like
Sutton, Kingston and Epsom Parkinson's UK is invaluable. This initiative by Everyone Active, in partnership with Sutton Council, perfectly aligns with our commitment to ensuring accessible and supportive resources for our community. I encourage everyone impacted by Parkinson's to attend and discover the positive impact of staying active.

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 Sutton 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 Sutton will have an opportunity to get active in April."

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 the Everyone Active webpage.

Those with underlying health conditions such as heart problems, diabetes or breathing
issues should contact their GP before starting any new activity.