First ever government forum to address gaps in neurological care launches

This important step comes after years of relentless campaigning across the UK, led by the Neurological Alliance and supported by over 100 organisations, including Parkinson's UK.

The #BackThe1in6 campaign highlighted that 1 in 6 people in the UK live with a neurological condition. It urged UK governments to create a Neuro Taskforce to tackle pressing issues for people with neurological conditions. These include delays to treatment, lack of mental health support and insufficient information and support at diagnosis. 

Find out more about the #BackThe1in6 campaign on the Neurological Alliance's website.

How will the UK Neuro Forum help?

The UK Neuro Forum will bring together NHS leaders, patient organisations and people with neurological conditions to address shared challenges. Driven by people who are directly affected, the forum will aim to make progress in areas where UK-wide collaboration can have the biggest impact. It will seek to address the postcode lottery of care and promote more person-centred services.

The UK Neuro Forum will meet twice a year and include the Department for Health and Social Care, NHS England, devolved governments and the Neurological Alliances of all 4 UK nations. The first forum meeting is scheduled for early 2025.

Juliet Tizzard, Director of External Relations at Parkinson's UK, said:

"After years of overlooking the needs of people with neurological conditions, we are delighted that the government has agreed to establish the first ever UK Neuro Forum.

"People with Parkinson's face unacceptably long waits and a postcode lottery in accessing experts in their condition. We hope this forum will turn words into action and result in meaningful change for people with Parkinson's and others with neurological conditions."