Parkinson's Connect: how we're evolving Parkinson's support

More and more people are being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. In fact it’s the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. And everyone’s experience is different. We want to be there for everyone, from day one. So, we’re transforming Parkinson’s support.

Parkinson’s Connect is the new name for our information and support services. But it’s much more than just a new name. It’s a pioneering new approach to Parkinson’s support, building on our 50 years of experience. 

It’s the right information and support. In the right way. For everyone. From day one. And it’s personalised to you, whatever your connection to Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s Connect has 6 aims:

1. We’ll connect with you when you’re diagnosed.
2. We’ll offer online and offline support.
3. We’ll offer improved support if you have more complex needs.
4. We’ll provide personalised advice, information and support in a way that works for you.
5. We’ll enable and empower you to live well with Parkinson’s.
6. We’ll develop tailored support for you if you’re a family member, friend or carer of someone with Parkinson’s.

We won’t achieve all this straight away. But we’re evolving and improving step by step so we can reach and support more people.

What have we done so far?

We’re gradually introducing new methods of support. Here’s what’s happened so far.

• Healthcare professionals in 3 sites are directly referring people to Parkinson’s Connect.
• If you’re newly diagnosed, you can sign up for a personal online profile that gives you tailored information. Currently, this service is only for people being referred to Parkinson’s Connect by a healthcare professional at one of our directly referring sites.
• If you're newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s we're now able to offer you personalised information by email through our Digital Health Assistant – a series of weekly emails tailored to your circumstances. 

What’s next?

People with Parkinson's, and their family and friends, have helped design Parkinson’s Connect from the beginning. We’ll be continually improving and developing the service, based on feedback from the Parkinson’s community.

Recently, we've been raising funds for Parkinson's Connect. The Frank Brake Charitable Trust generously created the Connect Fund to transform Parkinson’s support. The fund is aiming to raise £1.2million for Parkinson’s Connect and will help fund the transformation. And help us be there for everyone. From day one.