Tango Therapy UK

Saturday 24 April 2010, Four Pillars Hotel, Abingdon

11am Registration and welcome
11.30am Julie Alexander-Boxall, keynote speaker
Julie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 4 years ago at the age of 34. Julie is a committee member
of the Parkinson’s UK Young Person’s Network and works on the committee of the Havering and
District branch. Julie will share with you her own experiences and the journey she has found
herself embarking upon since she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
12.15pm Kieran Breen on Research
Dr Kieran Breen joined Parkinson’s UK in March 2005 as Director of Research and Development.
Kieran works closely with the Parkinson’s research community, both in the UK and internationally
to ensure that the charity funds the highest quality research to improve treatments and make
progress towards a cure. He works closely with other research funding bodies, both within the UK
and abroad. He is also on the Executive Council of the Association of Medical Research Charities.
1pm Lunch and networking
Browse the information stalls with news and information from Parkinson’s UK including Support
Groups for young people affected by Parkinson’s, as well as information relating to the Young
Person’s Network, Research, Money Matters, Complementary Therapies and Tango Dance
Therapy.
2pm-4pm Workshops (sign up on arrival)
Karen Woodley and Martin Sotelano (Tango Dance therapy)
Tango therapy sessions aim to improve body postures and balance, aerobic capacity and
coordination, self esteem and depression. This taster workshop will take you through some basic
relaxation exercises and the tango walk.
Veronica Pettifer (Complementary therapy)
Ronni is a Complementary Therapist qualified in Reflexology and Massage Therapies. She works
with Sussex/Hants Carers organisations and more recently a Hants Parkinson's Group. She takes
a holistic approach to her work with people, which is informed by her past work experience of
occupational stress. Ronni will deliver a taster workshop on complementary therapies focussing on
self-help routines which she encourages to aid 'smoothing out' the peaks and troughs of the
working year.
Stephen O’Brien (Money matters)
Stephen O’Brien has been with Parkinson’s UK for 3 years as the Benefits and Employment
Advisor on the National Helpline. Stephen will be leading a Q&A workshop on employment rights
and benefits advise.
4pm Close