Parkinson’s offer helpline for carers and sufferers
I AM very honoured to be involved with Parkinson’s UK and one of the many services we provide, of which I am most proud, is our helpline.
This is an invaluable support to the thousands of people who themselves live with this devastating condition, but it is also a vital lifeline for their families and friends.
I know from personal experience that having a family member with Parkinson’s can be frightening and isolating and often carers, friends or family members don’t know where to go for the support they need.
We know that around 10,700 people in the West Midlands alone live with Parkinson’s and I am determined to see that not only those with the condition themselves, but also all those affected by it, know that there is help and support at the end of a telephone.
So far this year, we have received around 13,000 calls from across the UK.
Although around half of these are from family members or friends of people with Parkinson’s, I know that there must be many more out there who feel they have nowhere to turn and who perhaps haven’t heard about our helpline.
I would urge anyone in need of help, advice or just a friendly voice at the end of the phone to contact the Parkinson’s UK helpline, free on 0808 800 0303.
Because we’re here, no one has to face Parkinson’s alone.
Jane Asher
president
Parkinson’s UK
