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Welcome to the Bristol and District branch of Parkinson's UK
The Branch promotes the activities listed below as there is evidence that they are beneficial to people living with Parkinson's.
The activities are run by either accredited or recognised instructors for their disciplines and they take responsibility for their groups. If you are interested in any of the activities please contact the lead person first. They can answer any questions you have and, if appropriate, give you further information.
No previous experience of having participated in any of these activities is necessary.
All activities and social groups are made available to those with Parkinson’s and their carers.
They are informal and friendly and provide opportunities to meet others and socialise.
(££) indicates there is a charge for the activity
Click here to download and print a copy of this information.
Dance for Parkinson’s A dance group for people living with Parkinson’s.
Join us for a fun, gentle exercise class with dance movement specifically designed for the symptoms of
Parkinson’s. You don’t need to bring anything special, just comfortable clothing and shoes and a
willingness to have a go! Partners and carers welcome. This activity is funded by Southmead Hospital
Charity.
Venue: Coniston Community Centre, The Parade, Patchway, Bristol BS34 5LP (Free parking)
When: Fridays 10.30am to 12 midday during term time
Contact: Donna Baber, Fresh Arts Manager at North Bristol NHS Trust - 07554 334828 –
Fresh.Arts@nbt.nhs.uk
Provider: Fresh Arts, North Bristol NHS Trust
(This activity is not covered by Parkinson’s UK public liability insurance and members are advised to check with the service provider that such cover is made available for them)
VAST UK! (££) Voice and Somatic (mind/body) training for people with Parkinson’s
VAST offers a unique, enjoyable and effective combination of therapeutic physical and vocal production exercises, designed to address the specific challenges of Parkinson’s. These may include voice and swallowing issues, posture, general physical health and mental and emotional wellbeing. We offer weekly classes using a blend of powerful techniques from Tai Chi, Qigong, ‘Sound Daoyin’ and vocal technique for singers, informed by up to date research. Daily practice at home will be encouraged and supported by providing group members with access to short practice videos. At the end of each class we facilitate some uplifting group singing with instrumental accompaniment (no previous experience necessary). People are invited to suggest songs they particularly love, from any genre. Guest musicians are regularly invited to join in the fun!
Each class includes social time with tea, coffee and cake when group members can meet and connect with each other. The name ‘VAST UK!’ reflects the overall aims and ethos of the training, to encourage and develop the expansion of mind, body and voice.
Venue: St Mary’s Church Hall, Queen’s Square, Saltford BS31 3EL
When: Monday and Wednesday mornings 10.30am to 12 midday
Contacts: Jo Levine - 07980 534139 / Sarah Bartlett - 07815 662844
vastforparkinsonsuk@gmail.com
Providers: Sarah Bartlett/Jo Levin
Nordic Walking (££) Involves walking over grass on Bristol Downs for approximately 45 minutes. Nordic Walking poles are provided and used to aid movement. Account is taken of PwP’s walking speeds and pauses for stretching are allowed for during the walk.
Where: The Downs. Meet outside the cafe next to the water tower. BS9 1FG (Free parking)
When: Wednesdays 11.15am to 12.00 midday during term time
Contact: Kate Kutchera - kate@bristolnordicwalking.co.uk
Provider: Bristol Nordic Walking
Parkinson’s Games Group (££) Do you enjoy playing scrabble, cluedo, rummikum, scrabble, a game of cards or even table tennis? If you do then this might be for you. As an extra incentive, the local fish and chip shop The Angus will prepare a portion of fish and chips for the special price of £5. This will be available at the start of the sessions and must be pre-booked. There is a kitchen to make tea and coffee. Provisions not provided so bring your own tea/coffee/milk/sugar.
Venue: Bedminster Methodist Church, Bedminster, BS3 3BW (Some off-road parking available)
When: Fortnightly on Wednesdays 1pm to 4pm
Contact: Elaine Griffin – 0117 9667621
Exercise classes (££) "Exercise as Medicine"
Involves 30 minutes in the gym using equipment, followed by 30 minutes circuit training activity.
Activities can involve sitting and standing and can be adapted to individual needs.
Venue: Thornbury Leisure Centre, BS35 3JB (free parking)
When: Tuesdays 12.30pm to 1.30pm or 1.30pm to 2.30pm during term time
Contact: Mary Burton, Neurological Physiotherapist - 077181 77288 - fizzyo@hotmail.co.uk
Provider: Active Lifestyle Centres
Exercise classes
Venue: Yate Leisure Centre BS37 4DQ When: Thursdays 11.30am to 12.30pm
Contact: Kelly Smith, 07929 751880 - Kelly.smith@circadiantrust.org
Provider: Active Lifestyle Centres
Life Balance classes Low intensity circuit of exercises and activities adapted to individual needs.
Venue: Henbury Leisure Centre. BS10 7NG (Free parking) When: Tuesdays 10.30am to 11.30am
Contact: Alistair Macfarlane - 07825 033741 - alistairmacfarlane@everyoneactive.com
Provider: Everyone Active
Note: Everyone Active Leisure Centres in Bristol (Easton, Henbury, Horfield and St Paul’s) are offering a free all access membership to people living with Parkinson’s and their carers. (www.everyoneactive.com/parkinsons)
PD Warrior (££) PD Warrior is not the same as working out in the gym, going for a walk or going for a swim. It is an exercise specifically designed to slow the progression of Parkinson’s through power, amplitude and high effort. What you miss out on by doing generic exercise is the opportunity to drive the brain’s natural ability to re-wire itself and protect itself. It is primarily aimed at those who have been recently diagnosed or in the early or moderate stages of Parkinson's and who are reasonably fit and active. The course runs for 10 weeks at a cost of £195 per person and takes place at the Brain Centre, Southmead Hospital, in small groups or can be undertaken as a 1:1 in person or online via zoom.
Venue: Bristol Brain Centre, Southmead Hospital Bristol (Parking at the hospital is free for those with
a Blue Badge)
When: Thursdays 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Contact: Alistair Macfarlane – 07825 033741 - alistairmacfarlane@everyoneactive.com
Provider: PD Warrior – Bristol UK
Parkinson’s Warrior follow on classes (££) Designed for those who have already completed the
10 week PD Warrior course. (This activity is not covered by Parkinson’s UK public liability insurance and members are advised to check with the service provider that such cover is made available for them
Venues: (free parking at the following leisure centres)
Henbury Leisure Centre – Tuesdays 12.00midday to 1.30pm and every other Saturday 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Horfield Leisure Centre – Thursdays 3.30pm to 4.30pm
Easton Leisure Centre Thursdays 12.00midday to 1pm
Also available on Zoom: Mondays 12.00midday to 12.45pm plus weekly recorded session available on
request.
Contact: Alistair Macfarlane – 07825 033741 - alistairmacfarlane@everyoneactive.com
Provider: Everyone Active and PD Warrior – Bristol UK
Non contact Boxing (££)
(This activity is not covered by Parkinson’s UK public liability insurance. The boxing coaches are registered with England Boxing so are insured to coach this activity and the centre has public liability)
Ideally requires independent movement and agility to move around the gym unaided, although less mobile individuals have the opportunity to participate. No previous boxing knowledge or experience is required and all programme specific equipment is supplied, including boxing gloves.
Venue: Broad Plain Boxing Club, Clement Street, Bristol BS2 9ES
When: Thursdays gather at 10.00 am for 10.30am to 11.30am
Contact: Dennis Stinchcombe - 07973 574091 - dennismbe@riversideyp.org
Provider: Broad Plain Boxing Club
Tai Chi (££) This activity can help to ease some of the key problems associated with Parkinson's. Balance and motor control can be improved, resulting in fewer falls and slows the rate of decline. Movements are adapted so they can be done standing or sitting. Tai Chi is well known as a wonderful therapeutic and holistic practice.
Venue: Lincombe Barn, Downend BS16 2RW (Free parking)
When: Fridays 10.15am to 12.15pm
Contact: Sarah Bartlett - buqiworks@gmail.com - 07815 662844
Provider: Sarah Bartlett/Claire Mitchum
Online Shadow Kickboxing (££) with former Scottish Open Kickboxing Champion, Kev Fry.
When: On Zoom: Wednesdays from 12.00midday to 12.45pm plus weekly recorded session available on request.
Contact: Alistair Macfarlane – 07825 033741 – alistairmacfarlane@everyoneactive.com
Provider: PD Warrior – Bristol UK
Parkinson’s Indoor Group Cycling (££) Indoor group cycling class specifically for people living
with Parkinson’s. Classes are suitable for anyone no matter the ability, fitness or experience. Led by a fully qualified and experienced neuro exercise instructor.
Venue: Horfield Leisure Centre (Free parking)
When: Fridays 11.00am to 11.45am
Contact: Alistair Macfarlane – 07825 033741 alistairmacfarlane@everyoneactive.com
Provider: Everyone ActiveActivities
Swimming for the disabled £5 for swimmer, carer - free entry. The pool is well-heated for this session, wheelchair users are welcome
When: Wednesdays from 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Where: Henbury Leisure centre, BS10 7NG.
Contact: henburyinfo@everyoneactive.com or 0117 353 2555
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