High Life Highland is offering a series of free exercise classes for people affected by Parkinson’s in the lead up to World Parkinson’s Day on Saturday the 11th of April.
The ‘come and try’ sessions will take place across Inverness, Nairn, Wick, Grantown on Spey and Dingwall, giving people the chance to experience tailored activities designed to support those living with the condition.
Around 600 people in the Highlands are estimated to be living with Parkinson’s, according to NHS Highland, with around 13,000 affected across Scotland.
The condition, which affects the brain’s ability to produce dopamine, can lead to a wide range of symptoms including tremors, pain, balance issues, sleep difficulties and anxiety.
Exercise is widely recognised as one of the most effective ways to help manage symptoms, maintain independence and improve overall wellbeing.
High Life Highland has been delivering specialist Parkinson’s exercise programmes for several years, working in partnership with NHS Highland to create accessible opportunities for people to stay active.
Eilidh Maclean, Activities Development Officer at High Life Highland, said:
“We see first hand the benefits that Parkinson’s classes bring to participants across our facilities.
“Feedback consistently shows that the classes help people manage symptoms and stay active for longer, and participants also value meeting others who understand their experiences.”
She said the free sessions are aimed at encouraging more people to get involved.
“There may be people locally who don’t yet know these classes exist, and we want to encourage them to come along and give the taster sessions a try.”
At Inverness Leisure on Monday the 6th of April, the programme includes drumming, strength and balance, and pilates based sessions, alongside refreshments and social activities.
Further sessions will take place in Nairn on the 7th of April, Wick and Grantown on Spey on the 10th of April, and Dingwall on the 21st of April, offering a mix of exercise, social time and informal support.
Organisers say the sessions are designed to be welcoming, inclusive and beneficial for both new and existing participants.
The initiative forms part of wider efforts to raise awareness of Parkinson’s and highlight the role of physical activity in supporting those living with the condition.
High Life Highland is encouraging people across the region to take part, meet others and discover the benefits of staying active in a supportive environment.
Free Parkinson’s classes will be available across the Highlands this April, offering support, activity and connection ahead of World Parkinson’s Day.
For more information, visit Parkinson’s Exercise – High Life Highland, email parkinsonsexercise@highlifehighland.com or call 01463 667500
