Just over six months on from the launch of Hull FC’s Parkinson’s Active programme, there are reports of blossoming friendships amongst participants.

Not only are the weekly sessions proving to be giving people physical benefits, the effects of socialising with fellow participants has been boosting mental wellbeing as a result of making new friendships.

Rebecca Counter, Health and Activity Coach at the Community Foundation, spoke to BBC Radio Humberside last week to explain how the Parkinson’s Active programme has engaged so many people.

“The classes have been going really well since they started last year, and just recently, a couple of our participants have expressed how their co-ordination has improved since coming along to our sessions,” she said.

“What’s also been really positive to hear is that all of our participants have made new friendships with people they didn’t know before they started coming along.

“Because we run our sessions at the University of Hull Sports Centre for an hour, what we’ve discovered is that a lot of the participants will take part in the session and then head off for a coffee together, which is really nice to see those friendships developing.

“We have a really nice group who always get involved in the physical activity, but we have also helped friendships blossom away from the sessions, where people will openly meet up during the week.

“It’s lovely to see. It’s really nice. As staff members, even we have formed some great relationships with the participants over the last few months.”

The aim of the weekly sessions is to support those diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and other neurological conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis, by increasing their physical and mental fitness.

It is important to exercise with neurological conditions as it helps to maintain strength, flexibility, balance and cognitive acuity.

“We do a range of activities at our sessions and these can vary from week to week. So we offer activities such as table tennis, badminton and walking football,” she explained.

“We also provide seated exercises for people with specific requirements, as well, so we try and be as inclusive as we possibly can.”

Sessions take place at the Allam Sports Centre at the University of Hull on Tuesday afternoons (1-2pm), with new participants welcome to come along and get involved.

If you would like more information or to speak to a member of staff, please email health@hullfc.com.