People invited to ‘put yourself in my shoes’ for Parkinson’s Awareness Week

People in Calderdale will be marking Parkinson’s Awareness Week (PAW) with a unique celebration of dance, movement and live music.

Parkinson’s Awareness Week 2013 runs from 15-21 April and is a week to tell the world what life is really like for people affected by Parkinson’s. It also gives the charity Parkinson’s UK the chance to let people know about them and what they do.

The Halifax and District Branch of Parkinson’s UK, supported by local arts company Verd de Gris, is inviting anyone affected by Parkinson’s, along with family, friends and carers, to a Dance Taster on Saturday 13th April. A pilot project to explore the physical and emotional benefits of moving to music begins the following Thursday (18 April) at Elim Church in Halifax 11-12.30pm.

This work is part of a wider initiative by Verd de Gris called Changing Landscapes, which aims to develop and deliver uplifting and creative sessions for older people across Calderdale, partly funded by South West Yorkshire NHS Foundation Trust’s Creative Minds scheme.

Verd de Gris was chosen as a creative partner by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and is part of a growing infrastructure of community organisations who are working with the Trust to provide creative projects to local people.

As part of Creative Minds the Trust aims to support voluntary and community organisations, like Verd de Gris, to deliver a variety of creative projects to help improve the health and wellbeing of local people.

Community dance worker Natalie Speake says there’s never been anything like it in the region before for people affected by Parkinson’s Disease. “This is something of a first for Calderdale and the fact it is happening is wonderful news for anyone affected by Parkinson’s in the region. A growing body of research is showing that dance can help people with Parkinson’s in lots of ways. Greater ease in moving, increases confidence and – just as important – can be a lot of fun.”

The Dance Taster on Saturday 13 April will start at 2pm at Elim Church Hall, Hall Street, Halifax. For further information contact Natalie Speake 0772 3452673.

More information about Creative Minds can be found at www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/creativeminds