The University has secured funding from the national charity to deliver two programmes:
- SHAPE-P: Staffordshire Health And Physical Activity Engagement for Parkinson’s
- STRIDE-P: Stoke-on-Trent Inclusive Delivery of Exercise for Parkinson’s
SHAPE-P focuses on building exercise independence across Staffordshire, while STRIDE-P targets individuals in Stoke-on-Trent’s most deprived communities. Both aim to improve physical function, build confidence, and promote long-term behavioural change.
Parkinson’s is on the rise. In the UK, around 166,000 people are already diagnosed with Parkinson’s. By 2050, the number of people with Parkinson’s worldwide will double to 25 million.
The condition has over 40 symptoms - motor symptoms, such as tremors, stiffness, and balance difficulties, and non-motor symptoms - such as fatigue, depression, and cognitive changes. According to Parkinson's UK, being active for 2.5 hours a week can help manage Parkinson’s symptoms, and has a positive impact both physically and mentally.
Led by Senior Lecturer Edward Stanhope, each project will support 12 participants through a physical activity and behaviour change programme, delivered with support from BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy and MSc Sports Psychology alumni.
Edward explained: “Exercise is recognised as one of the most effective non-pharmacological strategies to manage Parkinson’s symptoms, improve functional capacity, slow physical decline, and support mental health. However, many people with Parkinson’s experience barriers to physical activity, including access to trained exercise professionals who can provide safe, condition-specific guidance and support.
“They often lack the confidence or knowledge to exercise by themselves and the aim of these programmes is to offer long-term support and empower individuals to make positive lifestyles changes.”
Starting in January 2026, each programme will be delivered over two 30-week cycles consisting of an 18-week exercise programme and a three month follow up. The programme begins with face-to-face supervised sessions at the University’s Stoke-on-Trent campus and gradually builds independence as participants transition to online sessions and, ultimately, to self-led exercise.
Edward continued: “The aim is to prevent further decline and help participants to maintain balance, strength, and fitness. Our behavioural psychologist and specialist exercise practitioners will prescribe tailored support for each individual, so that they can have a better quality of life for a longer period of time.”
Nic Sherratt, Midlands Area Development Manager for Parkinson’s UK, said: "We’re proud to partner with the University of Staffordshire on the SHAPE-P and STRIDE-P projects. This collaboration brings together academic expertise and local insight to address a need for people living with Parkinson’s.
“Both projects will provide structured, phased support tailored to overcome barriers to physical activity, such as low confidence in exercise ability and fear of falling.
“Working together, we aim to deliver a sustainable model to enhance exercise independence, confidence and wellbeing for people with Parkinson’s in Staffordshire."
Anyone who meets the below eligibility criteria and would like take part is encouraged to get in touch with the University to secure a place:
SHAPE-P
- Diagnosis: Mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease.
- Age: 30 to 75 years.
- Physical activity: Sedentary or insufficiently active (<150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week).
- Physical ability: Able to perform moderate physical activity, with or without aids.
- Location: Resides in Staffordshire county.
- Technology: Access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet, and basic digital literacy.
- Commitment: Willing to engage in all elements of the programme, including supervised (face-to-face and remote) and unsupervised sessions, plus behavioural consultations.
STRIDE-P
- Diagnosis: Mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease.
- Age: 30 to 75 years.
- Physical Activity: Sedentary or insufficiently active (<150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week).
- Physical Ability: Able to perform moderate physical activity, with or without aids.
- Technology: Access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet, and basic digital literacy.
- Commitment: Willing to engage in all elements of the programme, including supervised (face-to-face and remote) and unsupervised sessions, plus behavioural consultations.
- Meets at least one of the following criteria:
a) Location: Resides in a community dwelling within Stoke-on-Trent, particularly but not limited to:
-
- Abbey Hulton & Townsend
- Bentilee & Ubberley
- Burslem Central
- Fenton East
- Hanley Park & Shelton
- Longton East
- Tunstall
b) Household income: Individuals or households with an income below £18,000 per year (before tax) or those eligible for Universal Credit or disability benefits.
c) Housing: Living in social housing - council or housing association property.
For more information or to register your interest, please contact Edward Stanhope via edward.stanhope@staffs.ac.uk or 07979 581185.