Across Wolverhampton, Parkinson’s support projects are showing how sport and physical activity can do far more than improve fitness - they can reduce isolation, build confidence and create stronger communities.
That is exactly the kind of impact at the heart of Sport for Change Wolverhampton, a media campaign and free-to-join online hub led by ConnectSport CIC that champions how sport and movement act as a tool for social change across the city.
For many people living with Parkinson’s, everyday life can become increasingly difficult. Symptoms such as tremors, reduced mobility and speech changes can make simple tasks harder, while many people can also experience loneliness.
DEDICATED
In Wolverhampton, local activity programmes are helping to change that.
At the Places Leisure Wolverhampton Swimming and Fitness Centre, the Move and Shout programme has created a dedicated space where people with Parkinson’s can come together each week to exercise and support one another.
For participants like Ray Adams, the difference has been immediate. "I've had Parkinson's for coming up 14 years, and this is the first time I have heard of any venue like this that is helping people with Parkinson's,” he told the BBC. "It's been a real good help. I've really noticed a difference in my speech and my balance."
Beyond the physical benefits, the sessions are helping people feel seen again. Many participants say they had previously felt isolated, but the weekly programme has given them a renewed sense of belonging and routine.
Michelle Ratcliffe, who leads the sessions, said: "In Wolverhampton there are a high number of people who are inactive with Parkinson's. The feedback was that it's a very lonely life living with Parkinson's, people didn't feel listened to, didn't feel heard, they didn't feel seen. Whereas now they have got a group, they all come, and they are here every week without fail."
Wolverhampton is also seeing innovation through new digital support. A partnership between Parkinson's UK and the Ethnic Minority Council (EMC) has introduced Chair Beats, an online exercise programme designed for people living with Parkinson’s, reduced mobility and other long-term health conditions.
ACCESSIBLE
By moving sessions online, organisers have made it possible for people who cannot easily leave home to stay active in a safe and accessible way. The programme combines gentle chair-based movement with music that reflects local communities, making the sessions both inclusive and engaging.
Together, these projects show what sport for change can look like in practice. They are not simply exercise classes. They are opportunities for people to reconnect, regain confidence and improve wellbeing through movement.
Suffia Perveen, CEO for EMC said: “Chair Beats offers a fresh approach to chair-based exercise, combining movement with cultural music that truly resonates with our communities. We’re excited to bring inclusive activities that are not widely available to those who need them most.”
The programme is particularly beneficial for people living with Parkinson’s and those facing barriers to attending in-person sessions. Everyone is welcome – register here.
Dr Sadhu Singh MBE, Chair of EMC, told the Express & Star: “We recognise that many in our communities need greater support, particularly those unable to leave their homes. These sessions are a vital step in creating new ways to connect people online and ensure no one is left behind. We look forward to working with Parkinson’s UK to reach and support more communities.”
Read more about the Sport for Change Cities campaign, and its pilot programme in Wolverhampton.
Pic credits: Places Leisure / BBC; Ethnic Minority Council / Express & Star.
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