The physical activity grants programme is now open throughout the year to enable more activity providers, national governing bodies, local Parkinson’s groups and branches, and sports and healthcare professionals to request grant funding for activity programmes.

Since the physical activity programme started in 2021, Parkinson’s UK funding has supported more than 84 sports programmes and activities including table tennis, non-contact boxing, high-intensity workout classes, walking football, online wellbeing and fitness sessions.

Being active can have many benefits for people living with Parkinson’s, including better balance, strength and coordination, as well as improving mental wellbeing and sleep patterns. Physical activity groups and classes can also provide opportunities to meet new people and to socialise at a time when people living with Parkinson’s have reported experiencing increased social isolation.

The physical activity grants programme is supported by Sport Parkinson’s CIC, Boost Charitable Trust and the Parkinson’s UK Innovation Fund, allowing more people from the community to enjoy being active.

“We are delighted to expand our 2023 grants programme, opening it all year long, in response to demand from the Parkinson’s community, activity providers and Parkinson’s professionals,” said Bec Burrow, Physical Activity Grants manager for Parkinson’s UK.

Since 2021, more than £170,000 has been awarded in grant funding to enable activity providers, sports groups and healthcare professionals to deliver new classes and resources to help more people live well with the condition.