Get volunteering for Parkinson’s Awareness Week

Every hour, someone in the UK is told they have Parkinson’s. Nationwide, 120,000 people have Parkinson’s which is a degenerative neurological condition and the symptoms can severely impact people’s day to day lives. For some people, having Parkinson’s can be a frustrating and isolating experience.

There is currently no cure for the condition and it’s not known why people develop it. Today marks the start of Parkinson’s Awareness Week and this year people are being encouraged to support Parkinson’s UK in a number of ways including campaigning, fundraising, and getting involved with your local group.

To mark the week, a new survey shows that half of UK adults have never fundraised, and around 60% have never volunteered. But with increasing pressure on the third sector, charities are having to rely on the two thirds (68 per cent) who do contribute now more than ever.

However, over 50% of people say they would fundraise and/or volunteer if the cause was relevant to them and Parkinson’s UK hopes that the week’s theme ‘Join Us’ will inspire people to join its 34,000 members and get involved with the charity.

You could run a 10K and fundraise to help improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s or you can support one of their 350 local groups. Volunteers help the local branches organise events to raise funds and help change attitudes to Parkinson’s in their local communities.

Steve Ford, Chief Executive of Parkinson’s UK said: “Parkinson’s UK is a movement of people who are on a mission to find a cure and improve life for everyone with Parkinson’s. People tell me that being part of Parkinson’s UK is really satisfying because they feel that they are able to make a real difference.

“As part of this year’s Parkinson’s Awareness Week we’re asking even more people to join us in making sure that no one has to face Parkinson’s alone.

“Whether you know someone with Parkinson’s or not, you can join us. Visit parkinsons.org.uk/join us and find out how.”

For more information visit: parkinsons.org.uk/joinus