FREE gym memberships are being offered by local leisure centres in Somerset to people living with Parkinson’s.

The initiative designed by charity Parkinson’s UK is being offered by operator Everyone Active in partnership with Somerset Council and is in its fifth year.

The Everyone Active and Parkinson’s UK free membership provides access to gym, swim and group exercise classes, as well as online Synergy Dance classes for users of Wellington Sports Centre, Blackbrook Leisure Centre & Spa, Wellsprings Leisure Centre, Taunton Swimming Pool, and Vivary Golf & Adventure Centre.

A free membership will also be given to up to three carers to provide additional support if needed.

Currently, Everyone Active supports 79 individuals in Somerset with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s affects around 145,000 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 can find various activities, such as swimming, walking and dance, beneficial in managing their symptoms.

Parkinson’s golf sessions will launch in May for those looking for an opportunity to discover golf. The small group sessions will take place on Tuesdays from 10 to 12 noon and begin at Wellsprings Leisure Centre for two weeks then continue at Vivary Golf & Adventure Centre for the remaining 10 weeks of the programme.

Tailored coaching aimed to help people improve their golf skills will be offered followed by tea and coffee, and carers are also welcome to attend.

Mark Washington, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We are immensely proud to be partnering with Parkinson’s UK for the fifth year running, and truly believe the membership makes a real difference to the lives of those living with the condition and their carers.

“We want to provide a safe and welcoming environment where the whole Parkinson’s community feel supported as they exercise, and are confident we have an activity for all, no matter what your age, ability or fitness level.”

Corporate partnerships lead at Parkinson’s UK, Tom Ingram, 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.”

Those with underlying health conditions such as heart problems, diabetes or breathing issues are advised to contact their GP before starting a new activity.

For further information or to join, visit: www.everyoneactive.com/promotion/parkinsons. To enquire about Parkinson’s golf sessions with Everyone Active, email [email protected]