The University of Kent will be hosting its first ever fundraising week to help raise money for University projects, with a specific focus on the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy.
The University of Kent will be hosting its first ever fundraising week from the 9 – 13 May 2022 to help us raise £25,000 for University projects, with a specific focus on the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy.
The University of Kent and Parkinson’s Care & Support UK are partnering to open the UK’s first Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy. Based in Canterbury, the Centre will provide individualised and integrated non-drug therapies all under one roof to help improve the mental and physical wellbeing of those living with Parkinson’s disease. Reaching our target will change the lives of many living with Parkinson’s. Events include a 5k walking route on campus wearing silent disco headphones, messages to help you de-stress, a static bike ride, a lunchtime concert, and a net-walking business breakfast. Find out more here.
On the 10th May between 12.00-14.00pm, The School of Psychology is also helping to host a series of short ‘TED style talks’ on a variety of fascinating focussing on health and fitness in Parkinson’s.
Expert Speakers Include:
Speaker: Kim Dargan (PhD researcher, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences)
Title: Can inhaling hydrogen gas help treat Parkinson’s?
Kim will be discussing what effect inhaling hydrogen gas might have on people with Parkinson’s and why there could be different findings in the literature.
Speaker: Mark Colley (Physiotherapist)
Title: Can you do absolutely nothing and feel better?
Mark will be discussing a unique nonpharmacological therapy called Enhanced Sensory Relaxation Therapy (ESRT).
The therapy involves a patient laying in a dark, sound-proofed room devoid of nearly all external sensory stimuli. The therapy aims to improve the connection with our heartbeat and breathing and in turn reduce anxiety and depression.
Mark plans to conduct a pilot study with researchers at the University of Kent to test whether the new ESRT technique can improve wellbeing amongst people with Parkinson’s disease.
Speakers: Ben Wain and Michelle Elliott (Strolll)
Title: Strolll developing the world’s first software application for augmented reality glasses to help those with Parkinson’s.
Strolll are proud to say we are developing the world’s first software application for augmented reality glasses to help those with Parkinson’s.
We already know through research, exercise is imperative in helping slow the progression of the disease. Strolll are building software to assist with movement, which will include library of multi-sensory cueing and activities, which can be tailored to the individual.
Speaker: Dario (long distance runner and Parkinson’s advocate)
Title: Every Little Thing…
Dario Bucceri has not only learnt to live with Parkinson’s but used his diagnosis to push himself to the limit and train for his goal of running an ultra-marathon for a second time.
Dario is on a mission to inspire as many people as possible to live their best lives.
Discover more here.
Please join us for this event on 10th May between 12.00-14.00pm in the Sibson Lecture Theatre. Teas and coffees will be provided.