The Parkinson’s UK Research Support Network
Bringing a community of people together who want to help find a cure and better treatments for Parkinson’s.
The Parkinson’s UK Research Support Network connects people who want to stay up to date with Parkinson’s research. This includes opportunities to take part in studies and get involved in shaping research.
The Network is growing and succeeding because what started as simple aspirations have become a focused programme that supports people to get involved in research in 3 main ways:
1) Get connected to Parkinson’s research
The Research Support Network connects people to information, events and opportunities online and locally to them.
Members get all the latest Parkinson’s news and opportunities to get involved delivered straight to their email inbox.
Joining the Research Support Network has given me a sense of enriched understanding of the science of Parkinson’s. I am not a scientist, but by being plugged into the Network you learn all sorts of interesting things about the cutting edge of Parkinson’s research. Belonging to the Network has definite benefits in terms of helping you to live better with Parkinson’s.
- Stephen
2) Take part in research
Parkinson's research needs everyone. People with and without Parkinson's, of every age, gender and ethnicity. Without volunteers, progress in Parkinson’s research would be impossible.
Taking part in a research study can happen in many forms, from questionnaires to trialling new treatments. Some research can be done from home, while other opportunities will involve visiting a hospital or research centre.
Through the Research Support Network we share a range of opportunities for people to take part. This includes explaining who the researchers are looking for, what’s involved and how to get in touch with the researchers carrying out the study.
We are working with a group of volunteers to make sure everyone has the opportunity to take part in research. We want to break down barriers and encourage healthcare professionals to join our network so they can pass on information to their patients.
The more you can find out about research, the more confident it’ll make you feel about taking part. I knew nothing about research before. I probably wouldn’t have taken part in research if I hadn’t found the Research Support Network, but it’s made me feel a lot more comfortable.
- Nicky
3) Have your say
People with Parkinson’s and their loved ones are the experts on living with the condition. Through the Research Support Network, your voices are heard in research both at Parkinson’s UK and beyond.
Since the 1980s, people living with Parkinson’s have been involved in deciding which research the charity funds.
And more recently, the Research Support Network has been enabling researchers to work with people affected by Parkinson’s to develop, inform and shape their work.
We’re leading people-powered research – including bringing biotech and pharmaceutical companies together with people affected by Parkinson’s to find better treatments and a cure.
I find out about research as soon as it becomes available. Kate and I have also been on preliminary developments of research projects to try to help design and develop the research to get the best possible recruitment and outcomes.
“It’s a great way to find out about research. Not all of it is for everyone but it gives you a choice what to apply for. You can pick and choose, it’s like having a menu for research. There’s something for everyone.
- Phil and Kate
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Join the Research Support Network
We’ve made huge progress in the last decade to inspire people to get involved in the search for better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s. But to accelerate progress we need to do more. We want to make sure everyone has the information, support and opportunities to get involved in research.
Together, we will find better treatments and a cure - faster. Join the Research Support Network and help us get there.