People living with Parkinson’s in Mansfield, Ashfield and the surrounding areas are being invited to try a free Nordic walking taster session that is designed to help more people to get active in a fun and social way.

It will take place on Wednesday, 23rd April, from 1.30pm, at King’s Mill Reservoir, Kings Mill Reservoir Access Road, Sutton, NG17 4PA. It is free for all participants, including relatives and carers.

Organised by British Nordic Walking and Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the free taster is a safe and accessible way for local people to try Nordic walking for the first time. Carers and relatives are welcome to join in and there will be time to ask questions or for advice about the best ways to be active.

No previous experience of Nordic walking is required and all equipment, including Nordic walking poles, will be provided on the day.

Participants are recommended to wear sensible outdoor footwear and active wear and to bring a bottle of water. Trained instructors will guide everyone along the journey and show how the Nordic walking poles can be used effectively.

Nordic walking can help people to live well with Parkinson’s through better balance and co-ordination, a reduced risk of freezing and falls, better cardiovascular health, better energy levels and improved sleep patterns, improved strength, and reduced anxiety.

Amy Southam, specialist neurological physiotherapist at Sherwood Forest NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Medication can help control the symptoms of Parkinson’s, but exercise is the only intervention that can slow the progression of Parkinson’s and help people to manage their symptoms.

“We really want to support our local population of people with Parkinson’s to keep themselves as fit and well as they can and Nordic walking is an excellent way to do this.”

For more information about the free taster session, contact Amy Southam on amy.southam@nhs.net or call 01623 785122.