Seated cricket and ball sports for people with Parkinson's, Thursdays 1.30pm to 2.30pm at the Luton Irish Forum, £5. Carers welcome, no experience needed.

People in Luton living with Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions can now play seated cricket and a range of other ball sports every Thursday afternoon at the Luton Irish Forum on Hitchin Road, in new sessions run by the local Parkinson’s UK team.

Each session costs £5 per person, and the charity says no previous experience of exercise is needed. The sessions are open to all ages and abilities, and they are aimed at people across Luton and the surrounding parts of Bedfordshire.

The details

  • When: every Thursday, 1.30pm to 2.30pm, through the autumn and winter
  • Where: Luton Irish Forum, 102 Hitchin Road, Luton, LU2 0ES
  • Cost: £5 per person
  • To book or ask a question: Julie Wilson on 07500 097 222 or jmwilson@parkinsons.org.uk

Every activity is done sitting down. Trained instructors are on hand to support and guide each participant, and refreshments are served after the session. The charity’s local support finder lists the class as “Zing-Hub Parkinson’s Seated Sport” at Kathleen Connolly House, the same Hitchin Road address, and describes it as “fun and interactive sessions” of ball sport played seated.

“Why not give our new seated sports session a chance?”

Julie Wilson, Area Development Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said:

“People with Parkinson’s tell us that getting involved with the classes we run makes a real difference, so why not give our new seated sports session a chance?

“We hope that these new classes will encourage people to try exercise and help manage the impact of Parkinson’s on their health and wellbeing, meet new people and have fun at the same time.

“No previous experience is required, and we look forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities.”

The charity says regular activity can be one of the best ways to live well with Parkinson’s, and that seated exercise can help with muscle strength, balance and coordination.

What it means for you

If you or someone you care for has Parkinson’s, this is a low-cost way to try regular exercise in company, without needing to be fit or sporty first.

  • Bring someone along. Relatives, friends and carers are welcome to join in or simply watch, and there is no cap on numbers at a session.
  • What to bring: wear activewear and suitable footwear, and bring a bottle of water and any snacks or medication you might need during the hour.
  • Book first. Call or email Julie Wilson on the details above to reserve a place.

About Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s UK describes Parkinson’s as a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is no cure. The charity says someone in the UK is diagnosed every 20 minutes, and that by 2050 the number of people living with the condition worldwide will double to 25 million.

For information and support, visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.

For more to do in the town, see things to do in Luton.