Seated exercise scheme for Devon residents living with Parkinson’s hopes to expand

An exercise programme designed for people living with Parkinson’s and other long-term health conditions could expand across Devon, with organisers planning to train new instructors in the county.

The Love to Move programme, run by the British Gymnastics Foundation in partnership with Parkinson’s UK, aims to bring accessible, seated movement sessions to people with reduced mobility.

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Devon is one of the areas that has been selected for instructor training as part of the initiative.

The Moorlander contacted the British Gymnastics Foundation to find out what the plans could mean locally, including for communities across Dartmoor and West Devon.

Head of Programmes, Louise Roberts, said instructor training will initially take place online.

“Most of the training of instructors is done online with a live tutor. Depending on demand in a particular area, Parkinson’s UK may decide they would like a face to face course.”

Ms Roberts indicated that some sessions are already taking place in Devon.

“We have a couple of deliverers already active in Devon, some community groups and some care homes. These are mainly in Tavistock and Torbay.”

Organisers hope to expand the programme further in the county in the coming years, with the first training sessions are expected to begin in May 2026 .

“Initially we hope to train 10-12 instructors in the first cohort, however we also hope there will be many more courses and interest across Devon after that over the next couple of years,” Louise said.

“Love to Move has tremendous benefits for older people and people living with long-term health conditions, not only physical benefits such as improved strength, flexibility and co-ordination, but also for reducing social isolation.

Organisers say that a ‘really supportive’ community is built around the sessions and that the most important part is for participants to have fun.

“We would like to train more deliverers across Devon to ensure access to the programme and its benefits including in some of the more rural areas where it’s needed the most,” Louise added.

Residents, carers and community volunteers interested in becoming instructors can register their interest through Parkinson’s UK or contact the British Gymnastics Foundation for more information.