University launches innovative project to support people living with Parkinson's

The University of Wolverhampton, in collaboration with the British Judo Association and Parkinson’s UK, is set to launch a new course for people living with Parkinson’s to help increase their confidence in movement and physical activity.  

The ‘Finding your Feet with Parkinson’s’ course has been designed to use the power of sport and judo to support people living with Parkinson's to remain active and reduce their fears of falling.  

The free course will begin on 26 February (between 1.30pm – 2.30pm) and run weekly for six weeks at the British Judo Association Dojo on the Walsall Campus.  

The course will also utilise expertise from WLV Sport, academic staff at the University, the British Judo Association and Parkinson’s UK.  It comes following a successful bid funded by Parkinson’s UK Physical Activity Grant. 

Tina Smith, Senior Lecturer in Sports Biomechanics at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “The combination of funding from Parkinson’s UK, and the University of Wolverhampton working in partnership with the British Judo Association and Parkinson’s UK, has provided a unique opportunity to make a difference and improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s. 

“At the University of Wolverhampton, we utilise the power of sport and physical activity to provide inclusive opportunities for everyone to be active. We aim to provide a service that overcomes previous experiences, abilities or disabilities and provides the university community an opportunity to experience the associated benefits of being physically active.”  

Emma Parkinson, Parkinson’s UK Regional Lead and Area Development Manager for the Midlands, said: “Parkinson's UK is delighted to be working with the University of Wolverhampton and British Judo Association on this innovative project supporting people living with Parkinson's to remain active.  

“We know that physical activity has a positive impact on both physical and emotional wellbeing and can help people manage their Parkinson's symptoms. This project will support people to manage their fear of falling and practical steps they can take so they can keep active. This will make a real difference to lives and help us learn more about how we can support people living with Parkinson's to live well.”  

Karen Roberts, Development Director at the British Judo Association, said: “The British Judo Association are delighted to partner with the University of Wolverhampton and Parkinson’s UK in this project to promote the physical activity of those with Parkinson’s. We hope we can positively impact the group we work with and in doing so showcase an opportunity for the community.”  

If you are interested in taking part, book here.   

For more information, please email Laurence Kenyon: laurence.kenyon@britishjudo.org.uk.  

Anyone interested in studying for courses at the School of Sport at the University of Wolverhampton should register for one of our forthcoming Open Days.