Putting Parkinson's on the agenda: Highlights from the 2024 party conferences

Parkinson's UK volunteers Christine, Mark, Shafaq, Syed, Christine and Maria met with MPs from across the political spectrum to share their experiences of living with Parkinson’s and make the case for change.

We held meetings with politicians, including Ministers and Secretaries of State, and hosted an event at the Labour conference on improving neurological care. We also contributed to discussions on important issues facing the Parkinson's community, such as medicines shortages and prescription charges.

We highlighted 3 key areas where government action could drive forward improvements for the Parkinson's community:

• NHS workforce - ensuring government plans for the NHS workforce include enough of the right professionals.
• Research - identifying the steps the government can take to accelerate the search for new treatments and a cure.
• Employment rights - advocating for better rights for people with Parkinson's in the workforce, with a particular focus on employers providing reasonable adjustments.

Highlighting the healthcare needs of people with Parkinson's

At the Labour conference, our Chief Executive Caroline Rassell joined a panel of experts chaired by former BBC broadcaster and podcaster Mark Mardell. The panel discussed how the government can build an NHS fit for the future, enabling people with Parkinson's to access the right care at the right time.

Other panel members included the Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock MP, Professor Camille Carroll, Clinical Co-Director of the Parkinson's Excellence Network, and Shafaq, who lives with Parkinson's. 

Caroline Rassell said: "It was great to be joined by the Minister for Care for such an important conversation on how Parkinson's services can be improved.

"The new government has stated there can be 'no more sticking plasters for the NHS' and I firmly believe they must plan ahead for the future to avoid shortchanging the Parkinson's community.

"This forward thinking approach must address the NHS workforce crisis in Parkinson's care and invest in research to give people living with the condition hope for better treatments."

Championing Parkinson's research

At the Labour and Conservative conferences, we took part in a charity health event highlighting Parkinson's research and the steps the government can take to drive forward the search for new treatments and ultimately, a cure.

We shared information about the research Parkinson's UK funds and supports, and how government involvement could transform the Parkinson's research landscape.

Following this event, we met with Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Victoria Atkins, who agreed to work with us on this vital issue.

Our community's voice was heard

Thanks to our fantastic volunteers, we were able to meet with 16 MPs over the conference season, from Secretaries of State to newly-elected MPs. The impact of our volunteers' personal stories was clear, with MPs of all political parties committing to take action following their conversations with our community.

Shafaq, who joined us at the Labour conference in Liverpool, said: "I enjoyed actively feeling like I was contributing to change by meeting MPs and sharing my story, and I felt energised by it.

"If you're thinking about volunteering with Parkinson's UK, don't be shy, step forward and interact with the politicians, the delegates and the delightful Parkinson's UK team!"

Watch our volunteer Christine's experience of attending the Liberal Democrat party conference on YouTube.

What next?

We're following up with all MPs we met, giving them actions they can take in Westminster and in their constituencies to support people living with Parkinson's and to champion change.