WEST WORCESTERSHIRE MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has praised a volunteer group which helps offer help and support to people affected by Parkinson’s disease and other neuro conditions.
A group of nearly 30 people head to the Worcestershire Football Association pitches to join a game of walking football, while carers share a coffee and a chat.
The session were started by physiotherapist Joanna Forrest and a group of people dealing with neuro conditions travel from as far away as Hereford and north of Birmingham to play football and support each other.
Regular exercise is vital for people facing conditions like Parkinson’s and the spouses and carers get the chance to spend a couple of hours supporting each other.
The MP visited the football pitches to talk to the group members and understand the important role that exercise can play helping people to deal with such conditions.
Dame Harriett said: “Conditions like Parkinson’s disease can have a huge impact both on the patient but also their partner or carer and I was impressed at the positive energy being shared throughout the group.
“It was a pleasure to chat to the spouses as they shared their experiences. Exercise clearly plays an important role helping people to manage their illness and while the football is going on there are important support conversations also taking place.
“I understand that the group has been founded without any formal support and the participants learn about it by word of mouth so I was delighted to be invited to help to spread the word.”
Anyone interested in joining the group can find out more by emailing [email protected].