PEOPLE living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones in Greater Manchester are being encouraged to take part in a new creative arts project to help children understand Parkinson’s.
Led by lived experience participatory arts company Made by Mortals, the Hearts & Minds community group brings together older creatives, artists, and musicians. In collaboration with Parkinson’s UK, the group are looking for local people affected by Parkinson’s to join them to create a fun radio-play style story that helps children understand the condition.
Free workshops for people with Parkinson’s, their family, friends, and carers will be held weekly from Thursday 27 November, 10:15am-12pm, at Guide Bridge Theatre in Audenshaw, M34 5HJ.
The workshops will result in recording an episode of Armchair Adventures – a podcast show for children aged 6-10 – all about Parkinson’s.
To get involved or find out more information about the sessions, please contact Tess on email: tess@madebymortals.org or telephone: 07450 388 632.
Helen Sturman, Area Development Manager, Parkinson’s UK, said:
“We know it can sometimes be difficult to explain Parkinson’s, especially to younger people, so I’m delighted to be working with Made by Mortals on this project to help create a recording that will share people’s experiences of Parkinson’s in a fun and accessible way.”
“I’d encourage anyone living locally affected by Parkinson’s who is interested in taking part in the workshops to get in touch with Tess. No artistic experience needed – just bring your voice, ideas, and enthusiasm!”
Tess Keeble, Relationship Manager, Made by Mortals, added:
“The Hearts & Minds workshops are a great opportunity to share your ideas, get creative, and meet new people.
“It’s thanks to people’s willingness to share their lived experiences and imaginations that we can create recordings, stories, and characters to highlight important health and social care issues. I’d love for you to join us!”
Parkinson’s is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is no cure. Someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the UK every 20 minutes and by 2050, the number of people living with the condition worldwide will double to 25 million.
Parkinson’s UK is the leading European funder of Parkinson’s research and here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way. For information and support, visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.