The CHEER Parkinson’s Group meets every Monday (except public holidays) at the Claygate Centre for the Community.
Supported by the Walsingham Care Fund, our sessions provide a warm, understanding, and supportive environment — but also plenty of fun. Participants have the opportunity to meet others living with Parkinson’s, share experiences, and exchange tips for managing the condition. Many members find not only companionship but also practical ideas and solutions that make a real difference in daily life.
Participation in the group offers:
- Social, physical, emotional, and psychological benefits for participants
- Support and respite for carers
- Opportunities to share information and access advice on practical matters such as benefits and local services
What we do in the sessions
A typical session begins with tea or coffee a friendly chat and a chance to catch up and connect. This is followed by chair-based exercises, designed to help improve flexibility, circulation, and strength.
At lunchtime, members can enjoy a good-value meal from the Centre’s kitchen, which also caters for individual dietary needs, including soft diets when required.
The afternoon sessions focus on voice, memory, and creative engagement. Activities include singing, poetry reading, writing and sharing limericks, playing games, reminiscing about the past, and discussing current affairs. Voice and facial exercises are also incorporated to support speech and expression.
We periodically invite professionals such as a Speech Therapist to attend the group to give advice and support, and we can also put you in touch with the CHEER team to provide help with benefits claims and blue badges.
The group is led by CHEER volunteers, Martin Jancar and Helen Ross.
To ensure high standards, the number of participants is limited, and there is currently a waiting list to join.
If you know of anyone who could benefit from membership of the group, or would like to know more about its work, please contact Martin Jancar on 07811 419349 or email: [email protected].