Parkinson's UK, England Athletics and Forestry England announce new partnership

A new partnership between Parkinson's UK, England Athletics and Forestry England aims to help more people with Parkinson's get active.

A part of England Athletics wider national RunTogether programme, it aims to offer additional support for people with Parkinson's to get into running and outdoor exercise in a safe and social way.

A successful trial

The launch follows a successful pilot programme between us, the National Trust and Forestry England, which got more people with the condition into running, jogging, walking or hiking outdoors.

England Athletics supported the pilot with specially-trained Run Leaders as part of the RunTogether programme. They would oversee events and offer advice and guidance for the most effective ways to run, jog or walk outdoors.

Expanding across England

The new partnership will now see a nationwide expansion of accessible outdoor exercise sessions for people living with the condition. There will also be extra training for coaches and those looking to support more people to get active with Parkinson's.

England Athletics will also offer support for Parkinson’s runners with specially designed training plans, as well as hosting in-person and virtual training days or events for participants.  

Gary Shaughnessy CBE, Chair of England Athletics and Parkinson’s UK, said:

"This is a collaboration which I’m delighted to see is going ahead. As Chair of Parkinson’s UK and Chair of England Athletics, it’s something I’ve been really supportive of, bringing together people with Parkinson’s, along with an extension of the RunTogether programme.

"Having a neurological condition shouldn’t stop people from feeling that they can benefit from exercise. It’s not about what you can’t do, it’s about what you can do, and for me, that’s the biggest thing about this partnership.

"I’m absolutely delighted that it’s not just England Athletics and Parkinson’s UK that’ll be part of this programme, but also the National Trust and Forestry England.

"The fact that the National Trust are opening up their green spaces and making a safe place for people such as those living with Parkinson’s for whom the challenges of the condition can be very variable is really encouraging."