Whittington Health football features on Match of the Day
.png "Whittington Health and Arsenals Parkinson football team")
21 Dec 2023
Since June this year, Whittington Health NHS Trust has been working with Arsenal in the Community on a walking football programme to foster inclusivity and well-being for individuals living with Parkinson's. This initiative was developed and driven by Sandra Glynn, lead Parkinson nurse, and Yvonne Barrett, senior neuro-physiotherapist.
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Since June this year, Whittington Health NHS Trust has been working with Arsenal in the Community on a walking football programme to foster inclusivity and well-being for individuals living with Parkinson's. This initiative was developed and driven by Sandra Glynn, lead Parkinson nurse, and Yvonne Barrett, senior neuro-physiotherapist.
Exercise helps people with Parkinson’s maintain their mobility, but often have less opportunity due to their condition, and many feel unable to join exercise programmes due to physical disability or fear of not fitting in.
Walking football sessions allow participants to not only work at their own pace with people that have similar limitations, but also allow for a support group element, where participants can make friends, discuss shared experiences, and socialise with peers.
The initiative has already made a significant impact on the lives of those involved. Participant Leonard Evans shared, "It's changed my life completely around, and I feel fantastic, rejuvenated, and much younger than I was." The support from Arsenal, including the involvement of first-team players like Emile Smith-Rowe, has created a special bond between the participants and the club.”
His team-mate Jeremy Munday added: “The Arsenal sessions are clearly valued by everyone, whether or not they have played football before. I have heard comments from many people saying they are a real highpoint of the week and there is a real sense of community and support that I am sure contributes to better physical and mental health for all the participants.
“We regularly have over 20 players of all abilities at our weekly sessions. At the beginning of November, some of us also entered a Parkinson's walking football competition in Watford and we won, which was a real boost to us given that the other teams had more experience”.
Whittington Health actively encourages and refers individuals to join the walking football sessions, emphasising the importance of activity, exercise, and socialising in managing Parkinson's.
Sandra Glynn said “Arsenal approached me to ask if say we we’re interested in doing a walking football. It was a no brainer for me. This is a special group, and I am proud of the progress that they have made and the benefits that they are getting out of this programme. I am excited to see how it expands in the future.”
The walking football sessions, currently running weekly, are open to people of all ages with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s.
The programme not only provides a physical outlet but also creates a supportive environment where participants can share experiences and build a sense of community. Both Whittington Health and Arsenal in the community hope to continue and expand the programme in the future.
Exercise helps people with Parkinson’s maintain their mobility, but often have less opportunity due to their condition, and many feel unable to join exercise programmes due to physical disability or fear of not fitting in.
Walking football sessions allow participants to not only work at their own pace with people that have similar limitations, but also allow for a support group element, where participants can make friends, discuss shared experiences, and socialise with peers.
The initiative has already made a significant impact on the lives of those involved. Participant Leonard Evans shared, "It's changed my life completely around, and I feel fantastic, rejuvenated, and much younger than I was." The support from Arsenal, including the involvement of first-team players like Emile Smith-Rowe, has created a special bond between the participants and the club.”
His team-mate Jeremy Munday added: “The Arsenal sessions are clearly valued by everyone, whether or not they have played football before. I have heard comments from many people saying they are a real highpoint of the week and there is a real sense of community and support that I am sure contributes to better physical and mental health for all the participants.
“We regularly have over 20 players of all abilities at our weekly sessions. At the beginning of November, some of us also entered a Parkinson's walking football competition in Watford and we won, which was a real boost to us given that the other teams had more experience”.
Whittington Health actively encourages and refers individuals to join the walking football sessions, emphasising the importance of activity, exercise, and socialising in managing Parkinson's.
Sandra Glynn said “Arsenal approached me to ask if say we we’re interested in doing a walking football. It was a no brainer for me. This is a special group, and I am proud of the progress that they have made and the benefits that they are getting out of this programme. I am excited to see how it expands in the future.”
The walking football sessions, currently running weekly, are open to people of all ages with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s.
The programme not only provides a physical outlet but also creates a supportive environment where participants can share experiences and build a sense of community. Both Whittington Health and Arsenal in the community hope to continue and expand the programme in the future.