Introduction
Billingham Boxing Club were successful in applying for the Together Fund to fund boxing for people living with Parkinson’s disease. They offer a variety of classes and gym sessions to support people living with Parkinson’s to help improve motor and cognitive function to manage daily tasks more confidently.
What happened?
Billingham Boxing Club have been working with Parkinson’s UK to offer a boxing class for people living with Parkinson’s to tackle social isolation that has been brought on through Covid and a lack of social opportunities. Parkinson’s UK state that 2.5 hours of exercise per week can slow the progression of the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. The sessions are adapted to individual needs as some participants are seated and some are physically active.
Who was involved?
Parkinsons UK, Billingham Boxing Club, coaches and participants
When?
Weekly sessions since September 2021
Where?
Billingham Boxing Club which is a welcoming environment for people to socialise, tackling isolation.
How?
Through social prescribers and word of mouth
Why?
The lead coach had a family member with Parkinsons and saw first hand the lack of support and provision available locally and therefore decided to start these sessions to make a difference for people suffering from this debilitating illness.
So?
This film shows the impact on individual lives in terms of physical and mental health. Those attending have found the physical improvements to be transformative, and the social side of the sessions ensures it’s positive for all-round wellbeing. The social aspect is vital for participants to talk about their illness, to share their thoughts with like minded people and discuss ideas for slowing the progression of parkinsons.
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