As we mark a year of us all living with Covid it is also important for us all to take greater stock of the world around us again. This year Parkinson’s awareness week runs from Sunday the 11th of April and ends on Saturday the 17th of April.
As part of our mission at the Great Care Company, we work with clients suffering from Parkinson’s to deliver the very best care possible. It is a terrible disease we are all too familiar with. We feel it is important as the Great Care Company to help raise awareness around Parkinson’s.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Parkinson’s. However, this week provides us all with an opportunity not only to raise awareness but to engage and fundraise to help out those people living with Parkinson’s to improve their quality of life.
We at The Great Care Company recognise that the past year has created unprecedented challenges. One of those challenges has focused on how we preserve and improve our mental health. In recognition of this challenge, this year’s theme is Mental Health in Parkinson’s.
On the 11th of April 2021 the Parkinson’s Care and Support UK will be launching the first ever Parkinson’s Mental Health Support Hub exclusively for people affected by Parkinson’s.
The Parkinson’s Mental Health Support Hub is designed to help tackle the most common mental issues associated with Parkinson's. The hub will also aim to provide essential support and care for those newly diagnosed as well as those who have been dealing with the challenges for some time.
What Services Will The Hub Provide?
The hub will provide four distinct services exclusively for those affected by Parkinson:
Parkinson’s cognitive behavioural therapy
This will be a GO referred service for people with Parkinson’s suffering anxiety or depression and currently not being treated. Cognitive behavior therapy is one of the most successful treatments for anxiety and depression.
Parkinson’s acceptance and commitment therapy
This will be a self-referred service most suitable for those newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s end of Life and bereavement support line
This will be a support line for those who are caring for someone with Parkinson’s who are coming towards the end of life and for people who have lost loved ones to Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s befriending and companionship network
This is a service designed to reduce loneliness and isolation for people living with Parkinson’s through peer support and visiting care.
How Can I Take Part In Parkinson's Awareness?
The beauty about getting involved is that you can do almost anything to help support those affected by Parkinson’s.
Maybe you bake an amazing Victoria sponge?
Maybe you’re a keen rambler?
Why not bake cakes and sell them to raise money to support those affected by Parkinson’s?
Equally, you could organise a fundraising walk.
As you’re are now aware Parkinson’s has no cure and the money raised will help fund therapies, mental health support, care training, information and non-pharmaceutical research. All this is in an effort to slow the progression of this terrible disease and allow people with Parkinson’s to live better and longer lives.
To get involved simply visit www.parkinsons.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising
