New City College hosts successful charity Activity Days for Parkinson’s UK

New City College recently hosted two inspiring charity Activity Days in partnership with Parkinson’s UK, bringing together local communities for fun, wellbeing and connection.

Held at the college’s Havering Sixth Form campus in Hornchurch and Redbridge campus in Chadwell Heath, the separate events welcomed members from the Havering and District and Redbridge branches of Parkinson’s UK.

Guests took part in a wide range of engaging sessions, led by staff and students and designed to help participants stay active, socialise and try something new in a supportive environment.

Activities included yoga, Tai Chi, non-contact boxing, walking football, arts and crafts, table tennis, speech therapy and singing as well as manicures and head, neck and shoulder massages. There were also informative talks from guest speakers, including Carl Beech, inventor of the Beechband wrist device, NHS representative Sarah Wynard, who spoke about the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) and how it benefits those with Parkinson’s, and Caroline Rassell, Parkinson’s UK CEO.

The Redbridge event featured sessions led by West Ham United FC staff and concluded with a lively Bhangra dance.

Jagdeep Aujla, who helped lead the Redbridge event, said: “I have been inundated with positive feedback from our members. The college staff and students were fantastic. I am already looking forward to next year!”

Caroline Rassell highlighted the importance of the events, saying they provide vital opportunities for people with Parkinson’s to stay active, improve wellbeing and build connections.

She said: “Being active is great for your physical and mental health and allows you to make new and different connections. That’s why this Activity Day is so important. Well done to New City College – the student volunteers are a credit to you, it has been a fantastic day.”

Maria Thompson, from the Havering Parkinson’s group, also commended the college’s student helpers: “These young people have been a bundle of energy throughout the day. If they are the future, then the future is very bright!

Both events were organised by New City College’s marketing team and supported by staff and student volunteers. Marketing Manager Jamie Webb said: “These two days were brilliant examples of how New City College can support and engage with our local community.”