Local groups can apply for up to £3,000 to help people with Parkinson's get active and stay connected.

Standfirst: Shepton Mallet community groups, sports clubs and activity providers could receive up to £3,000 through Parkinson's UK's 2026 Physical Activity Grants programme.

SEO title: Shepton Mallet groups offered £3,000 Parkinson's grants

Meta description: Shepton Mallet groups and activity providers can apply for Parkinson's UK grants of £500 to £3,000 to help people with Parkinson's become more active.

Community groups, sports clubs and activity providers in Shepton Mallet could get up to £3,000 to launch or expand activities for people living with Parkinson's.

Parkinson's UK has reopened its Physical Activity Grants programme for a sixth year, with grants ranging from £500 to £3,000 available to organisations and providers with a connection to Parkinson's. The programme is running until the end of 2026.

This year's scheme has a greater focus on projects that can help people who are less active or have lower mobility to move more. That means there is scope for Shepton organisations to think beyond the obvious sports sessions, particularly where activities can be adapted for people who may need more support to take part.

Since the programme began in 2021, Parkinson's UK says £936,000 has been awarded to 392 exercise projects across the UK. Previous projects have ranged from walking football and table tennis to Zumba and assisted rowing, showing there is plenty of room for something a little more imaginative than another circuit class in a village hall.

The charity says physical activity can help people living with Parkinson's with strength, balance and coordination, as well as wellbeing, energy levels and sleep. It can also provide opportunities for social contact while helping participants manage other health conditions.

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Roma Hashim, Physical Activity Grants Manager at Parkinson's UK, said the charity was looking forward to supporting more community-led projects after seeing the impact of previous rounds.

She said: "Every year we're inspired by the creativity, commitment and compassion shown by applicants, and we're looking forward to funding new opportunities that will help people build confidence, move more, and feel connected."

One project backed in 2025 was run by the Afghan and Central Asian Association in Birmingham, which used funding to provide Zumba sessions that could be adapted for different levels of mobility, including people living with Parkinson's. The charity is using examples such as this to encourage more organisations to consider how existing activities could be made accessible to a wider range of participants.

Groups considering an application can also attend free Meet the Funder webinars being held by Parkinson's UK during the year. Applicants can find out more and apply for a Physical Activity Grant, while places on the advice webinars can be booked through the Meet the Funder registration form.

For Shepton Mallet's clubs, charities and community organisations, the pot offers a chance to turn a good idea into something practical. With up to £3,000 available, the next local walking group, adapted exercise class or altogether more inventive scheme could start with an application rather than a fundraising bucket.

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