Leisure facilities in Woking are set to offer free membership to people in the local community who are living with Parkinson’s.

Woking Borough Council recently agreed to appoint Everyone Active to operate and manage the borough’s four key leisure facilities, following a competitive procurement process.

From Monday December 1, 2205, award-winning leisure operator, Everyone Active, took over the management of the contract and be responsible for delivering a wide-ranging programme of physical activity and wellbeing services for residents, including its free membership offering for those living with Parkinson’s.

Woking Leisure Centre, Pool in the Park, Woking Sportsbox and Eastwood Leisure Centre, will benefit from the initiative, working in partnership with Parkinson’s UK.

The free membership will provide access to gym, swim and group exercise classes. Synergy Dance online classes are also available. Free carer membership will be available, if required.

Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world and there is currently no cure. It affects around 166,000 people in the UK and there are more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety.

Being physically active can play an important role in living well with Parkinson’s. People living with the condition find various activities, from walking to dance, beneficial in managing their symptoms.

Stuart Mills, Everyone Active area contract manager, said: “We are immensely proud to launch this partnership with Parkinson’s UK in Woking and hope it will make a real difference to many people’s lives.

“We want to encourage people living with Parkinson’s within the community to exercise and we are confident we have an activity for all, no matter what your age, ability or fitness level.

“Being more active will help members to live well with Parkinson’s, improving their physical fitness and mental wellbeing, as well as having fun.”

Tom Ingram, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Everyone Active, who have very generously offered complimentary membership for people living with Parkinson’s and their carers.

“Being physically active is important for everyone. It supports both physical and mental health and depending on what you choose, can provide social support and interaction, all of which can really help people living with Parkinson’s and those providing informal care.

“Developing a regular physical activity habit can make a person feel more in control when living with the condition. Quality of life can be enhanced and independence and confidence maintained.

“We hope that with the support of Everyone Active, the Parkinson’s community can enjoy physical activity and use it to make a real difference to their lives.”

Cllr Ellen Nicholson, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure, added: “Through Everyone Active and Parkinson’s UK, we’re removing barriers to support physical activity for residents with Parkinson’s, and their carers.

“Whether it’s swimming, the gym or a group class, staying active can make a real difference in helping people manage their symptoms and maintain independence. We’re proud to help make that possible for residents.”

For further information visit https://www.everyoneactive.com/promotion/parkinsons/

Those with underlying health conditions such as heart problems, diabetes or breathing issues should contact their GP before starting any new activity.