Community Foundation grant funds six months of strength classes for those with Parkinson's
A strength and balance class which caters for those with Parkinson's and their carers has received vital funding to enable it to continue to operate for free.
The sessions have been taking place at the Doddridge Centre in St James' since September 2025 as part of a series of classes put on by Step Forward With Lewis CIC.
Grant funding from Northamptonshire Community Foundation's Cecil Petit Legacy Fund guarantees it will remain free to users for another six months.
The funding means the class is now covered for most of 2027, allowing instructor Michelle Lewis to continue providing the vital sessions at no cost.
Currently the sessions represent the only strength and balance class in the town catering specifically for people with Parkinson's and those who care for them.
They form part of Step Forward With Lewis CIC's mission to improve the strength, flexibility, independence and confidence of older and more vulnerable people in Northampton.
The charitable organisation also provides six general classes which cater for all, and a specialist session for people with cancer that takes place in Upton.
Michelle Lewis, who was recently honoured for her work at BBC Northamptonshire's Make A Difference Award, where she won the Active Award, first started offering strength and balance classes through her business, Step Forward With Lewis.
Last year, she formed a community interest company (CIC) in order to be able to offer the classes for free, meaning no-one - irrespective of their financial situation - has to pay for them.
She said: "The sessions have a very real impact on people's quality of life, helping them live independently and grow in confidence.
"It makes such a huge difference to be able to offer these classes for free as it means people can attend them irrespective of their financial situation.
"Northamptonshire Community Foundation has been a vital supporter of the work we do, and this is the latest example of the fabulous assistance they supply to charitable organisations in the county.
"Without their help, we wouldn't be able to supply these classes for free, something which is integral to everything we do."
The Step Forward With Lewis CIC Parkinson's Classes take place every Monday at 11am at the Doddridge Centre. For more information, people can visit www.stepforwardwithlewiscic.co.uk or email [email protected]
Step Forward With Lewis CIC launched its Christmas Appeal earlier this month, with any money raised going towards putting on strength and balance classes for older and more vulnerable people without charge, as well as to putting on free Kettles & Conversations catch-ups in Hardingstone and Milton Malsor.
People can donate by visiting https://givewheel.com/fundraising/22814/christmas-appeal-help-us-continue-to-hold-life-cha/