Never in her wildest dreams did Barbara think she would one day join a judo club. Barbara learned she had Parkinson’s disease in 2023. Now 71 years old, she knew that staying active would be important if she wanted to keep her independence, but over time she began to lose confidence in what her body could do. Everyday movements felt more difficult, and the fear of falling made her hesitate and hold back.
When Barbara’s nieces spotted an advert for a local falls‑prevention programme and encouraged her to attend, she was unsure at first, but she soon decided to give it a try. She joined Land on your Feet, a free 12‑week falls‑prevention course for older people in Harlow, delivered by Harlow Judo Club through a partnership involving Active Essex, health partners and local organisations working together to help people stay active and independent. The course focuses on balance, strength, safe movement and learning how to fall safely.
The class has helped her feel more confident again, stay active, and believe in what she was still capable of. Barbara said:
When I first came, I just sat and watched. I thought, ‘I can’t do that – I can’t run like that, I can’t bend like that.’
Barbara did not feel able to get up and down from the floor on her own and worried about pushing herself too far. At the start of the course, her confidence was very low – just one out of 10 – and she spent the first few weeks sitting out and watching, unsure whether she would be able to take part.
But the gradual support and encouragement from the group, instructors and other participants encouraged Barbara to try, reassured her when she felt unsure, and helped her when she struggled. With that support, she slowly began to get involved.
Building confidence one ‘fall’ at a time
Over time, Barbara found she could get down to the floor and, on some days, get back up on her own – something she could not do at all when she started. It marked a real turning point in what she felt physically capable of doing. She explained:
With the support of the group, it’s made a real difference in what I can physically do
The confidence Barbara built in class carried over into everyday life too. She recalls a moment at home with her nieces when she pretended to fall, then calmly rolled into a safe breakfall she had learned during the sessions. At first, they panicked – then they were amazed, and incredibly proud.
Alongside the physical benefits, the course also made a big difference to Barbara’s wellbeing. She lives alone, and regularly mixing with other people, sharing activities and spending time in a supportive group helped boost her confidence and lift her spirits.
By the end of the course, Barbara rated her confidence at nine out of 10 – a huge change from where she had started. Looking back, she describes Land on your Feet as:
One of the best things I ever did.
Barbara’s story showcases how, by offering early community‑based falls‑prevention and healthy‑ageing activities, programmes like Land on your Feet help people stay active, confident and independent. Supported through the Sport England Place Partnership programme, with input from NHS Essex ICB and other local partners, the initiative forms part of a wider preventative approach that connects community activity with health and wellbeing priorities. This reduces the risk of falls, deterioration and avoidable hospital admissions, while supporting people to live well for longer in their own communities.
Anna Castiaux, Physical Activity Programme Lead at Parkinson’s UK, explained that issues with balance and falls are common in people with Parkinson’s. She said:
It is fantastic to hear how much Barbara has benefitted from joining the ‘Landing on Your Feet’ sessions. Staying active is one of the best ways to manage Parkinson’s, both in terms of alleviating certain physical symptoms and boosting mental health too. Meeting others in group sessions can also provide great social connection and help people feel less isolated.
People can also experience reduced mobility and freezing, where their feet feel ‘glued’ to the floor. Understandably, this can have a huge impact on someone’s confidence, but judo-inspired moves help to maintain flexibility, stability and posture. They can also reduce people’s fear of falling and give them the techniques to minimise the impact of a fall.
About Land on your Feet
Land on your Feet is run by Harlow Judo Club as part of the Sport England Place Partnership programme. After early success, the programme secured further funding so it could continue supporting local people.
Active Essex, NHS Essex ICB, local councils and community organisations worked together to develop the programme. The ICB has helped by sharing information about local health needs and supporting links between the programme and health and care services.
Together, partners are helping more people stay active, build confidence and remain independent for longer through fun, community-based activities.
Watch the Harlow Judo Club Land on Your Feet Circuit Championships 2026