Although Parkinson’s most commonly affects those over 50, for some people it can begin much earlier.
A few years ago, recognising that people of working age with Parkinson’s needed a dedicated space to meet and chat, we set up the Oxford Working Age Group.
Our meetings first and foremost provide a welcoming space where anyone with Parkinson’s, along with wives, husbands, partners and friends are welcomed.
Our get-togethers are very informal and relaxed. We socialise and chat over a cup of tea and cake, members being encouraged to share as much or as little as they wish of their experiences. This is particularly valuable for anyone newly diagnosed and the meetings provide a great opportunity for people to ask questions, compare stories and generally find encouragement and friendship with people of a similar age. From time to time we invite speakers to our meetings and in the past we have enjoyed sessions on many diverse subjects such as strength training, diet, seated yoga and benefit updates. In the summer months we aim to have at least one outdoor meeting, taking a picnic to local parks or beauty spots and of course at Christmas we have a Party.
Meetings and events
We meet on the second Sunday of alternate months between 2.00 and 4.00 o’clock at The Baptist Church in the High Street, Kidlington, OX5 2DS. There is plenty of car parking and buses drop off close by to the Church. There is no charge for attending our meetings other than a token donation towards the cost of refreshments. Times and dates may vary so please contact us for up-to-date information.
Other OxWAG activities
We've met in restaurants for brunch and chat, gathered at members’ homes for tea and (many) cakes, had talks from Parkinson’s researchers, and gone for walks - and we’re always interested in your ideas for new opportunities to get together.
Find out more
For more information about OxWAG and its activities, contact Trina wag@oxfordparkinsons.org.uk. The resources listed below may also be of interest. Note that these links take you to external websites and Oxford Branch is not responsible for their contents.
MoveMe: physiotherapist-led exercise classes
Our good friends at Parkinsons.Me run a series of vigorous classes, based on the successful commercial PD Warrior ® programme but led by an NHS physiotherapist.
Visit our exercise and activities page for more information.
Support from Parkinson’s UK
Our national body Parkinson’s UK has an area of their website dedicated to support for younger PwP.
Other resources for younger people with Parkinson's
You might find these websites interesting. All were founded by younger PwPs.
- Parkinsons.me is a locally-run charity and website with fantastic resources for supporting families that include a working-age PwP.
- Spotlight YOPD is a dynamic, campaigning charity run by and for younger PwPs.
- ParkyLife, run by the amazing Matt Eagles (Twitter @MattEagles and @PKYLIFE) who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at a very early age, is full of advice, ideas and resources for making your life with Parkinson’s more fun and more positive.