England Athletics announce new partnership with Parkinson’s UK, supported by National Trust and Forestry England

England Athletics has officially announced a new partnership with charity Parkinson’s UK, aimed at empowering people affected by Parkinson’s to stay active, connected and confident through inclusive running opportunities. 

The partnership brings together England Athletics’ nationwide social running programme, RunTogether, with Parkinson’s UK’s specialist knowledge, creating welcoming and supportive physical activity opportunities for people living with Parkinson’s and their carers. National Trust and Forestry England will also be a key part of the partnership, providing safe and welcoming environments for the groups. 

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition and it's on the rise. Parkinson's UK estimates that around 166,000 people in the UK have the condition and someone else is diagnosed every 20 minutes. Research shows that regular physical activity can help people with Parkinson’s manage symptoms, improve balance and mobility, and enhance mental wellbeing.  

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As part of the partnership, in collaboration with Parkinson’s UK, National Trust and Forestry England, England Athletics delivered a Run Leader training course for people living with Parkinson’s and their carers in the Dorset area, at National Trust’s Kingston Lacy. The course was the first in a series of nationwide courses across our RunTogether network. 

Gary Shaughnessy CBE is Chair of both England Athletics and Parkinson’s UK, and attended the training day in Dorset. On the partnership announcement, he said: 

"This is a collaboration which I’m delighted to see is going ahead. As Chair of Parkinson’s UK and Chair of England Athletics, it’s something I’ve been really supportive of - bringing together people with Parkinson’s, along with an extension of the RunTogether programme.  

"Having a neurological condition shouldn’t stop people from feeling that they can benefit from exercise. It’s not about what you can’t do, it’s about what you can do, and for me, that’s the biggest thing about this partnership."

National Trust and Forestry England will offer a number of their locations as bases for the training, providing safe spaces for the groups to gather and engage in physical activity. Gary also spoke of the importance of this aspect of the partnership: 

"I’m absolutely delighted that it’s not just England Athletics and Parkinson’s UK that’ll be part of this programme, it’s also National Trust, with beautiful scenery and locations like the one we’re in today. The fact that National Trust are opening up their green spaces but also making a safe place for people such as those with Parkinson’s for whom the challenges of the condition can be very variable."

Caroline Rassell, Chief Executive of Parkinson’s UK, said: 

"Staying active is one of the best things someone with Parkinson’s can do. Research has shown the benefits from helping to manage physical symptoms of the condition, right through to the mental and social benefits of running in a group. We’re delighted to be starting this partnership with England Athletics to enable so many more people the chance to explore if running is for them in a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment."

RunTogether  

RunTogether provides fun, friendly, safe and inclusive running opportunities for everyone in England. Groups are organised, social runs or jogs with other people, led by qualified Run Leaders and suitable for all abilities.  
 
There are 3 group categories to help runners decide the right level for them: 
 
Get Me Started runs for beginner runners and joggers, or those who haven't run for a while and want a gentle re-introduction. 
 
Keep Me Going runs are suitable for people who generally run at least twice a month and feel comfortable running or jogging about 5km without stopping. 
 
Challenge Me runs are for runners who typically run at least once a week and are looking to increase their pace or running distance.   

To find out more about RunTogether groups supporting people with Parkinson’s, or to learn how to become a Run Leader, click below