Charities Parkinson’s UK and the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) have formed a new partnership to improve access to tailored yoga sessions throughout the UK.
The collaboration aims to deliver classes designed specifically for people living with Parkinson’s, as well as their relatives and carers.
As part of the scheme, yoga instructors will also receive training to help them better understand the condition and adapt sessions appropriately.
To mark the launch of the partnership and World Parkinson’s Day, BWY will host a free online chair yoga taster session on Friday, April 10.
The 45-minute session will be led by experienced BWY teacher Richard Kravetz and will focus on gentle, practical movements and breathing exercises that can be done while seated.
Jed Parsons, physical activity programme manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: “I am delighted that Parkinson’s UK has been able to agree the new partnership with the British Wheel of Yoga and to offer more opportunities for people living with Parkinson’s to access yoga classes across the UK.
“Yoga is shown to have many benefits for a person’s physical and mental wellbeing when they live with Parkinson’s, and it can be a very accessible and adaptable way to live well with a long-term health condition.”
Diana O’Reilly, chairwoman of the British Wheel of Yoga, added: “Yoga can be hugely beneficial for people with Parkinson’s.
“Gentle chair-based practices can be adapted for almost everyone, which means people can participate safely whether they are newly diagnosed or have been living with Parkinson’s for many years.”
Parkinson’s is 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.
Registration for the free class can be completed via the events page at portal.bwy.org.uk/user/events/1122.
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