Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world and around 145,000 people in the UK have Parkinson’s.

Non-contact boxing provides a vigorous workout for people with Parkinson’s, and can help them to stay active. Rock Steady Boxing is a not-for-profit organisation based in the United States which provides high intensity boxing sessions for the Parkinson’s community. There are 43,500 approved Rock Steady Boxing coaches worldwide.

Rock Steady Boxing already supports affiliates in Widnes and Glasgow and has plans to open more affiliate boxing sessions in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The new grant funding will subsidise training courses for up to 10, new approved boxing coaches, allowing them to reach more people living with Parkinson’s in the UK.

The Rock Steady Boxing courses are designed for physiotherapists, boxing coaches, personal trainers, fitness coaches and medical professionals who work with, or want to support, clients with Parkinson’s. Courses involve a mix of 10 hours online learning and a two-day coaching session at Rock Steady Boxing in Widnes, which will take place in March 2023.

Parkinson’s UK and Rock Steady Boxing are subsidising training costs for new head coaches, as well as helping to reduce the first year affiliate costs. 

The partnership is part of Parkinson’s UK’s physical activity grants programme, which is supporting more than 80 new projects across the UK. The grants will enable people with Parkinson’s to try sports such as table tennis, boxing, walking football and Boccia, helping them to stay active, manage their symptoms and feel good inside and out.

“We are delighted to be in partnership with Rock Steady Boxing. They offer the absolute gold standard in equipping providers to become excellent boxing coaches, equipped with an understanding of Parkinson’s and helping people with the condition understand the benefits of being physically active. We hope that this great offer will help set up new Rock Steady centres all over the UK, and ultimately help thousands of people to live well with the condition,” said Tim Morton, Physical Activity Programme Manager for Parkinson’s UK.

To apply for one of the discounted training places, visit www.rocksteadyboxing.org and use the discount code ‘UK2023’.