This time 19 participants attended – 15 people with Parkinson’s and 4 partners.
The course took place over the weekend of 12-14 July at the Holiday Inn near Aylesbury and the working-age delegates travelled from as far apart as Middlesborough, Lincoln, Chippenham and Brighton.
Everyone said they really valued the opportunity to meet and build friendships – some said that it was great to meet people at different ages and stages and see people just getting on with their lives. For some it was the first time they had ever been able to talk openly to others of a similar age who share their experiences.
The agenda was packed with exercise sessions and social activities as well as presentations and workshops. One of the participants lead the group in a mindfulness session
Highlights of the weekend were the exercise sessions particularly PD Power, boxing and Clock Yourself but people were surprised how much they enjoyed the dancing programmes too.
The talks on exercise and neuro-plasticity, the workshop on technology and devices and the session on Skills For Working Life were highly praised. Also the sessions on Parkinson’s medication, and research were particularly well received by participants.
Direct quotes from the participants’ feedback forms included the following:
- Firstly, thank you so much for a great weekend. I didn’t quite know what to expect before I arrived. But within 5 minutes of being there I knew it was going to be money well spent. There is very little in the way of young onset/working-age practical resource and so Fighting Fit should be made as widely available as possible.
- I think what you have all achieved is remarkable. I will be spreading the word.
- I’d like to thank everyone for an exceptionally good weekend. I must admit that I was rather apprehensive before it started but I shouldn’t have worried as everyone was so friendly, helpful and thoughtful.
- I’ve already ordered several of those useful gadgets, I’ve got some of the apps we looked at and I’ll be finding out about boxing and PD Warrior availability in my area. Many thanks again for a fantastic weekend.
- I’ve printed off a handful of flyers to take to my PD nurse tomorrow, and I’ll also forward it electronically so that she can print out more when needed.
- Many thanks for a brilliant weekend – it was unique and memorable.
- We found Fighting Fit very informative and are very grateful for the time you have given to the weekend.
People said that they really liked being in a residential setting for two days with good facilities including a gym and swimming pool.
Fighting Fit is an innovative residential weekend programme for younger and working-age people with Parkinson’s that encourages self-management. The aim is to provide information and sign-posting, to share experiences and discuss the practical and emotional impact of living and working with Parkinson’s.
If you want to find out more, you can either contact us, or sign up to our newsletter which will provide you with updates and news about this exciting opportunity.