First Steps: for people recently diagnosed with Parkinson's

Feedback from people who have taken part, tells us that the programme is suitable for people who: 

• are looking for ways to make sense of their diagnosis
• don't yet know about the information and support available to them
• feel ready to meet other people with Parkinson's and their family, friends and carers 

People take part from the comfort of their own home, joining a small group of 8-10 other people who have been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Some people attend a First Steps course with a member of their family or a friend, other people attend on their own. People have the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences and connect with people who are at a similar stage in their Parkinson’s journey. 

Hosted by volunteers who have Parkinson's, the programme spans 3 2.5-hour sessions on Zoom. Sessions 1 and 2 take place over 1 week or weekend, and session 3 takes place 4 weeks later. There are regular breaks throughout each session. 

To take part, your patient will need access to a device with a webcam and a reliable internet connection. If they’re not feeling confident using Zoom, we offer support in how to get started and use the key features.

Session 1:

• making sense of diagnosis
• facts about Parkinson’s
• the healthcare professionals that can help people to manage their Parkinson's

Session 2:

• the information and support that's available to people
• the practical things that people need to know, such as employment, driving and prescriptions
• the importance of physical activity in managing Parkinson's

Session 3, which follows up 4 weeks later:

• check in and catch up
• 2 separate group discussions: one for people living with Parkinson's and another for family, friends and carers 
• tips for coping on difficult days, and the support options available for family, friends and carers

People tell us that after they take part they feel: 

• less alone as a result of meeting other people in a similar situation
• more positive, motivated and confident in moving forward
• informed and knowledgeable of the information and support available to them 

Here's what some people have told us about their experience: 

"I feel more optimistic about my diagnosis now. It's really helped me to accept that I have Parkinson's."

"I feel more informed and not so alone"