Helpline offers support for Parkinson’s disease families

The service run by the charity Parkinson’s UK aims to put people affected by the condition in touch with trained volunteers under a pilot scheme which could be extended across the UK next year.

It will be available to anyone affected by the illness including patients, carers or family members who will be able to offer a personal perspective on various issues including managing work and family life with the illness, coping with diagnosis, having parents with the condition and being a carer.

The charity already runs a helpline which receives around 22,000 calls a year answered by nurses and specialists in other areas including benefits, employment and social care.

Tim Moore, from the charity, said: “Our helpline is staffed by trained advisers who can offer advice on a variety of issues and problems associated with Parkinson’s. But those who’ve lived with Parkinson’s every day can offer a different kind of expertise.

“We have a group of specially-trained volunteers waiting to support those who need it and ensure that no one has to face Parkinson’s alone.”

Around 120,000 people suffer from Parkinson’s in the UK.

For more information ring 0808 800 0303 or email [email protected].