A new storytelling podcast has launched to help Shepton Mallet children understand Parkinson's in a fun and accessible way.

Creative arts organisation Made By Mortals CIC has teamed up with Parkinson's UK to create a special new Armchair Adventures story for children aged six to ten.

The episode, called A Planet Exercise Adventure!, is a three-part story created with Parkinson's UK and developed with people living with Parkinson's, as well as carers and loved ones.

It launched on 7 May, with further episodes on 21 May and 4 June. A special Unpacked companion episode is due to follow on 18 June.

The story follows Chief Adventurer Connie, her Nanna Debs and a gang of explorers as they travel to "Planet Exercise".

The musical world is filled with different ways to move, from gentle stretching to energetic dancing.

The adventure is inspired by Nanna Debs' Parkinson's diagnosis and follows Connie as she tries to help her stay well.

Through music, movement and join-in storytelling, the series explores how Parkinson's can affect movement and daily life, and why staying active can help.

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In part one, Nanna Debs says: "Exercise can help people with Parkinson's feel better, just like medicine."

Andy Smith, artistic director at Made By Mortals, said: "Armchair Adventures is all about turning real experiences into joyful, imaginative stories for families.

"Working with Parkinson's UK and people living with Parkinson's has helped us create something that feels both playful and truthful, helping children understand a complex condition in a way that's accessible and reassuring.

"Partnerships like this are vital to what we do, they make sure the stories we tell are not only creative, but genuinely meaningful."

Helen Sturman, area development manager at Parkinson's UK, said: "We're really excited about the launch of this Armchair Adventures episode.

"Explaining Parkinson's to children isn't always easy, and this is a fun way to help them understand how it can affect people.

"A big thank you to everyone with Parkinson's who shared their experiences of living with Parkinson's in the making of the story."

Parkinson's UK says being active can be one of the best ways to live well with a long-term health condition such as Parkinson's.

The charity says physical activity can help with balance, coordination, strength, flexibility, mobility, wellbeing, memory, communication and social interaction.

Parkinson's is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is currently no cure.

Parkinson's UK says someone is diagnosed with Parkinson's in the UK every 20 minutes.

Armchair Adventures is free to listen to on major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

The series can also be found at podfollow.com/Armchair-Adventures.

More information about Made By Mortals and Armchair Adventures is available at madebymortals.org/armchair-adventures.

For Parkinson's information and support, visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the charity's free confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.

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