AS PARKINSON’S Awareness Month begins this April, Parkinson’s UK Cymru warns of significant isolation, loneliness and deteriorating health outcomes for people living with Parkinson’s and other chronic conditions in Wales unless there is a long term strategic vision by the Welsh Government to properly fund cultural and sports sectors so partners can continue to offer a wider range of activities in the community. Despite the recent announcement by the Welsh Government to provide a £4.4m annual top-up for the arts, Parkinson’s UK Cymru believes it needs to be more than a sticking plaster and long term guarantees are now required.
A Senedd Committee report, launched earlier this year highlighted that after a decade of cuts, Wales ranks third from bottom of European countries in terms of spending per person on recreational and sporting services and second from bottom for cultural services. Wales has £69.68 spending per person for cultural services compared with the UK’s £91.12 spending per person.
Parkinson’s UK Cymru works with a wide range of partners across Wales to provide arts and sports based support for people living with the condition but the charity is concerned that uncertainty beyond this budget on the back of years of funding cuts will lead to poorer health outcomes. Taking part in regular community-based cultural or physical activities can help people living with long term health conditions, such as Parkinson’s, to improve their wellbeing and to better manage their symptoms so it’s vital these opportunities are protected and enhanced.
One current initiative is ParkinSings, a pilot project between Parkinson’s UK Cymru and social enterprise Choirs For Good, which gives those with Parkinson’s and their carers an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of community singing. With World Parkinson’s Day coming up on 11 April 2025, the three groups from north, mid and south Wales came together on Tuesday 1 April to kick off a month of activity with a performance at the Senedd in Cardiff, showcasing participants’ efforts and raising awareness of the condition to Members of the Senedd and the wider public.
The ParkinSings project is funded by the Arts Council of Wales’ Health and Wellbeing Lottery Fund. Parkinson’s UK Cymru warns that without funding streams like this and long term investment, many people living with chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s will have limited opportunities to live well with their condition and this would likely put increased pressure on those caring for them.
Parkinson’s is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. It’s the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, affecting 153,000 people in the UK and 8,300 in Wales. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is currently no cure.
Dawn McGuinness, Community Development Manager at Parkinson’s UK Cymru said: “Getting involved in the community is a lifeline for people living with Parkinson’s but many cultural and sports initiatives that we and our partners organise rely on funding.
“There are more than 25 Parkinson’s UK Cymru local groups and we work closely with partners in the arts and sports sectors to offer a wider range of activities.
“While we welcome the recent injection of funding, we’re concerned that this is covering gaps already created by previous cuts and are concerned that without a longer term plan, it will impact negatively on the provisions available for people living with Parkinson’s in communities across Wales.
“We recognise the challenging financial climate and funding the NHS is vital but the Welsh Government must also carefully consider the health and wellbeing benefits of arts and sports and recognise their important place as part of the overall management of living with chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s.”
Ruth Haugen, Impact Manager at Choirs For Good said: “There is a wealth of robust research clearly demonstrating the impact and benefits of creative and sporting activity on peoples’ overall health and well-being.
“However, despite this welcome injection of funds, the financial challenges the organisations delivering these services face in light of the current economic climate remain; threatening not only the activity they provide, but the organisations themselves.
“We believe that Arts and Sports can – and should – be considered part of the long-term solution to improving health and wellbeing outcomes across the country.”
Julie Evans from Newport lives with Parkinson’s and said: “I have enjoyed the singing group immensely. It makes me feel happy and has given me the confidence to do something I wouldn’t normally try.
“Singing is new to me and I love when we sing the Bronwen Lewis song ‘Ti a Fi’ in the choir as it makes me proud given my grandchildren all attend Welsh language schools. But it’s definitely the most difficult song to sing.”
Angela Llewellyn from Llandissilio in Pembrokeshire also has Parkinson’s and added: “Taking part in community and arts-based initiatives gets me out of the house, provides an opportunity to socialise and helps with my symptoms.
“Taking part in the ParkinSings singing group helps with my breathing and control of my voice. My husband comes along too and he really enjoys it – it’s something we can do together.
“I haven’t been in a choir since school so it’s great to have the opportunity to sing again. My husband and I often go to see concerts and musicals in Cardiff and beyond so now it’s our turn to be on the stage.”
Peter Baston from Flintshire has also been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He said: “I love music hence my interest in the community singing project between Parkinson’s UK Cymru and Choirs For Good – it’s right up my street.
“My wife comes along as well so it’s nice to do something together. I used to play the guitar but I can’t play anymore due to my Parkinson’s. So now my voice is my instrument and singing is my passion.
“I find music helps a lot – I’m sure even just listening improves my dopamine levels.”
For more information about Parkinson’s UK Cymru, visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/about-us/parkinsons-uk-cymru
For more information about Choirs For Good, visit www.choirsforgood.com
