A NEW exercise class for people affected by Parkinson’s across Dudley borough has been launched after winning a building society competition.

Parkinson’s UK has set up postural stability exercise classes after the charity’s Dudley and District branch were awarded £500 from Stourbridge town centre’s Yorkshire Building Society after receiving the highest number of votes from residents across the borough.

The sessions, which run from 3pm until 4pm on the second and fourth Thursday of each month by a qualified instructor, will give individuals affected by Parkinson’s the opportunity to participate in a regular group exercise routine.

Recent research has also shown that exercise seems to protect the dopamine-producing nerve cells that are lost in Parkinson's, helping them work better and survive for longer.

Some of the funds will also be used to provide each participant with a resistance band and a squeeze ball – together with an information booklet and guidance from the instructor, meaning participants can replicate some of the exercises at home and therefore getting even greater benefit from regular activity.

Jackie Murrall, volunteer coordinator for Parkinson’s UK, said: “We are so grateful for all those who voted for Parkinson’s UK and allowed us to establish these new and exciting exercise classes for people affected by Parkinson’s in the local area.

“The classes are open to all abilities, so we hope to see lots of people there.”

For more information about the classes, which take place at the Dudley Leisure Centre, Wellington Road, and cost £2 per session, call Jackie on 0344 225 9849 or email jmurrall@parkinsons.org.uk.