Photo: Parkinson’s UK.

Hastings among areas eligible for Parkinson’s UK’s physical activity grants programme

Parkinson’s UK has launched a new physical activity grants programme for marginalised communities across the country to help more people living with the condition to get active. In the South East, Hastings is the only area eligible to apply for grants. But the deadline – 10 August – is approaching!

The pilot grants programme is running in conjunction with the charity’s established physical activity grants programme, which has been delivering funding of up to £3,000 for exercise professionals and local Parkinson’s groups since 2021, says Parkinson’s UK.

In that time, more than £700,000 has been delivered and more than 200 physical activity projects have benefited from the funding.

The grants for marginalised communities aim to deliver more innovative exercise, wellbeing and physical activity projects in targeted areas across the UK. They will also offer more opportunities for those in these communities to shape the future delivery and development of the Physical Activity Grants programme.

Funding of up to £3,000 is available for any of the following social groups affected by Parkinson’s:

• Global majority (including all those who are previously categorised as ethnic minorities)
• People with other disabilities, be it a physical, neurodiverse or hidden disability
• People from a low socio-economic background
• People from the LGBTQIA+ community
• People from Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant communities
• Women

The following community groups and organisations that support the Parkinson’s community are also eligible to apply:

• Community-based not-for-profit organisations (including charities, CICs, and constituted community groups, excluding Parkinson’s UK Local groups/branches)
• Community Amateur Sports clubs (CASCs)
• Community benefit societies and Co-operatives
• Social Enterprises

Funding can be offered for exercise classes, consultation with the Parkinson’s community and towards engagement events. Applicants will need to complete a brief project description and discuss their ideas with local Parkinson’s UK staff and area managers. Once they have spoken with a local Parkinson’s UK representative,  applicants will be invited to complete an application form.

Hastings is one of 20 locations in England with high levels of deprivation where groups may apply, and the only one in the South East.

“We’re really excited about launching the Physical Activity Grants for Marginalised Communities pilot programme this year,” said Roma Hashim, Parkinson’s UK physical activity grants manager.

“The Physical Activity Grants Programme was established to support the Parkinson’s community and the leisure industry to develop and deliver opportunities to be active at a local and regional level.

“However, we’ve since recognised that there is an increasing number of people from marginalised communities getting a Parkinson’s diagnosis who have limited access to support groups or programmes.

“Every grant aims to support people with Parkinson’s from marginalised communities to engage in physical activity, to improve their wellbeing. Their insights will also help us understand their needs and shape the future development of exercise and physical activity from Parkinson’s UK.”

For more information, contact physicalactivity@parkinsons.org.uk or visit the dedicated page on the website.

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