A new initiative called SParky Samba aims to benefit people with Parkinson's in Llandudno.
The Llandudno Parkinson’s UK Cymru Support Group, with funding from the Arts Council of Wales, is launching this weekly community-based samba session in Llandudno Junction.
The sessions are designed to keep participants mentally and physically active through gentle exercise.
Samba, a South American music style with roots in Afro-Brazilian culture, is played with percussion instruments.
Each member of a samba ensemble has a specific role, as the music involves layering different rhythms.
People with Parkinson's who have attended SParky Samba sessions in Cardiff have found benefits in their movement, health, and wellbeing.
A more detailed evaluation is now set to be conducted to understand the potential health benefits of the activity.
Sue Jones, 57, a former farmer from Llanfairfechan, was diagnosed with Parkinson's in July 2024.
She said: "I was diagnosed with Parkinson's a few months ago in July 2024 at the age of 57.
"I had symptoms for years such as slowed movement and tremor so I knew in my heart that something wasn't right.
"But when the doctor finally told me it was Parkinson's, I had very mixed feelings."
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Ms Jones found support in joining the Llandudno group and has enjoyed participating in the SParky Samba sessions.
She said: "It's great to be part of the support group in Llandudno where we socialise, experience new challenges, and learn to live well with the condition.
"In particular, I've enjoyed the new SParky Samba sessions as I'm keen to stay physically and mentally active and doing something with other people makes it much more fun."
Dr Cheney Drew, senior research fellow at Cardiff University, said: "We know that interventions involving physical activity such as exercise and physiotherapy can help with Parkinson’s symptoms and there is emerging evidence that dancing and following repetitive beats to music, known as rhythmic auditory stimulation may also help.
"Additionally, community-based interventions may also have positive health benefits.
"We’re incredibly excited to work alongside Parkinson’s UK Cymru to undertake this research to see how exactly taking part in SParky Samba may benefit the health and wellbeing of people with Parkinson’s."
The idea for SParky Samba came from Eirwen Malin, an advocate for the Parkinson’s community in Wales.
She said: "I was intrigued about percussion samba and thought it might be a good one to explore as the driving rhythms certainly gets everyone moving and exercise is highly recommended for people living with the condition."
For more information about SParky Samba or to join the Llandudno sessions, contact eevans@parkinsons.org.uk or infosparkysamba@gmail.com.
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