06 Aug Huddersfield Town Foundation partners with Parkinson’s UK and EFL in the Community to host The Parkinson’s Perspective

The Huddersfield Town Foundation hosted an event to showcase the Parkinson’s walking football programme, and the importance of physical activity for those living with Parkinson’s, at the Accu Stadium on Monday 4 August.

Representatives from Parkinson’s UK and EFL in the Community spoke of the benefits of keeping active to manage the condition and alleviating symptoms.

Players shared their lived experiences and participated in Q&A sessions to talk about the impact the walking football programme has on their lives and the value of the friendships they have formed in the community.  

The highlight of the event was a poem written and performed by Nick Beswick, detailing their experiences of living with Parkinson’s.

Matthew Crookes, Health and Wellbeing Co-Ordinator of the Huddersfield Town Foundation, said:

“This event hugely exceeded my expectations, bringing together a room full of amazing people to celebrate their stories, and to highlight the importance of physical and social activity for the Parkinson’s community.

“It was clear to see that our Walking Football sessions have had a huge positive impact on people over the last 10 weeks, and played a small, yet significant part, in bringing the local Parkinson’s community closer together.

“We’re really excited to see what comes next with this programme, and from a personal point of view it has been nothing short of inspiring to see the impact it’s had so far.”

Beth Cook, Senior Health and Wellbeing Officer for the foundation, said:

“Our event, The Parkinson’s Perspective, brought people from outside of the Parkinson’s community and those Living with Parkinson’s together to learn from each other and understand what it is like to live with Parkinson’s.

“At the Foundation, we are dedicated to creating welcoming and inclusive environments so that everyone can thrive and reach their potential. Parkinson’s Walking Football has been the first condition specific programme we have delivered, and we have been overwhelmed with the impact described by those who have attended.

“We see many opportunities to work with those who are part of our programme to develop our offer and support not only those living with Parkinson’s further, but their partners and families too.”

Parkinson’s UK is a leading charity which funds research, offers support and campaigns for better care for people living with Parkinson’s. They aim to find a cure and improve quality of life.

EFL in the Community is the charitable arm of the EFL, with the vision to create stronger, healthier, more active communities through the power of sport.

Founded in 2012, the Huddersfield Town Foundation aims to use the power of OUR Club to create opportunities, reduce inequalities and inspire lasting change for OUR community through the delivery of projects across Kirklees and the surrounding area.

The Foundation offers opportunities across education, health and youth engagement to deliver impactful, inclusive programmes that empower OUR TOWN to thrive.