The local community in north Wales came together in Bangor for a special event at Pontio to raise awareness of Parkinson’s on Saturday 11 April to mark World Parkinson’s Day. 

The event, hosted by Parkinson’s UK Cymru, Pontio and Dance Collective CIC, included a wide range of activities and information stalls and highlighted the importance of arts and community based initiatives for people living with the neurological condition. Parkinson’s is on the rise, with 166,000 people currently diagnosed in the UK including around 8,600 in Wales. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is currently no cure.

At the event, there were performances by the north Wales ParkinSings choirs, a project between Parkinson’s UK Cymru and social enterprise Choirs For Good, giving those with Parkinson’s and their carers an opportunity to experience the therapeutic benefits of community singing, with potential improvements in voice control, breathing and overall mental and emotional wellbeing.  A samba drumming band “SParky Samba” also performed, formed of people living with Parkinson’s and their carers and there was a performance by Dance Collective CIC’s Dance for Parkinson’s Group 

A panel discussion also took place to share views on the importance of participating in research for those living with Parkinson’s in Wales.

Wendy Allison, community development coordinator for north and mid Wales at Parkinson’s UK Cymru said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who came together at Pontio to raise awareness on World Parkinson’s Day.

“It’s vital that people across north Wales who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s are aware of the support available to them so they can continue to live well. In addition to our local groups which are a lifeline for many in their communities, we influence decision makers to improve services, support and run fundraising events, fund vital research and have advisers that can offer help wherever you are based.”

To find out more about Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s UK Cymru, visit the Parkinson’s UK website: parkinsons.org.uk