My Story

In 2022 a Pilot project call Power UP! an exercise and education programme was set up for people with Parkinson's and their support network in the North Devon area. This was in collaboration with the Parkinson's UK Northern Devon branch. Since its creation it has surpassed expectation and is now supporting its ninth cohort of people with Parkinson's, totalling over 100 people. 

As a Parkinson's specialist Physiotherapist, it has been a privileged to work with and develop this service with each cohort of people. Power UP! is an 11-week programme, we meet weekly, with each session lasting 2 hours. The first hour is dedicated to exercise for the people with Parkinson’s. This is a chance to experience and learn low impact exercises that they can practice on a regular basis to improve their symptoms of Parkinson’s.  Examples of this would be Pilates, Nordic walking, amplitude exercises and (non-contact) boxing. during this time the supporters meet with the local Parkinson’s UK volunteers for guided discussions about their lived experience of supporting a person with Parkinson’s. Following this we then gather together over a cup of tea to engage in an education talk. Topics range from medication management, mental health and motivation to diet, and research. The aim of these sessions is not just to encourage people to link into the local Parkinson’s exercise network and engage with the local Parkinson’s branch, it is also to create an extended support network which is crucial to enable people to live life well with Parkinson’s.

Power UP! has proved to be invaluable for those who have engaged with the programme and we would like to secure funding to continue providing these sessions for those with future diagnosis of Parkinson’s. To secure the location for the sessions we are looking to raise £2500 to cover the hire of the rooms required. Any funds donated towards this would be gratefully appreciated.