Who is the support group for?

The Parkinson’s UK carers & family support group is our online group where you can talk to other people who understand what you are going through and who can support you through everything that caring for someone with Parkinson’s has to throw at you. It’s an informal group which focuses on discussions, supporting each other and sharing experiences.

The online support group is open to all carers and family members over the age of 18, living in the boroughs of Croydon, Bromley and Lewisham, whatever your circumstances. If you are under the age of 18, we recommend you look for a group which is specifically set up for young carers. Here are a list with links to the websites

Croydon https://www.talkofftherecord.org/croydon/young-carers-service

Lewisham https://www.carerslewisham.org.uk/information-for-carers/young-carers

Bromley https://www.bromleywell.org.uk/our-services/young-carers

The support group is facilitated by volunteers, all of whom have caring experience or working with Parkinson’s carers themselves. The online support group is for peer-to-peer support and is not monitored by professional advisers. If participants want additional support then they can be signposted to relevant organisations, such as counselling, agencies and both statutory and voluntary support services. 

Due to Covid19, meetings will take place over Zoom with a hope to offer meetings in person in the future for those wanting this opportunity.

Meeting details

The online support group will take place on the first Monday of each month, starting on Monday 7th March 2022. The initial meeting will be held from 7 - 8.30 pm and future times for meetings on a Monday will be decided by what’s suitable for the majority of the group. On Bank Holiday - Monday May 2nd 2022, the meeting will be moved to the following week of Monday 9th May 2022.

The meeting will be for 90 minutes via Zoom or Google Meet. A link for each meeting will be sent to you in advance. You can also join via phone, if you don’t have the internet. If you need support in using Zoom / Google Meet then please let us know and we can send you some guidance.

How do I join?

It’s free to join! Participants are limited to 20 places to ensure that people feel supported and listened to. The group is closed and will only take new participants if places become available after the initial 6 sessions. This is to allow the group to develop trusting relationships with the same participants. 

There is a booking process for the six sessions on a first come, first served basis. If the group becomes oversubscribed a waiting list for people wanting to join the next six sessions will be created and you’ll be notified of your place and the date and time of the next meetings. If you’re needing support and are on our waiting list, please contact Parkinson’s UK helpline on 0808 800 0303 open Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm. Sat -10am - 2pm. Closed bank holidays and Sundays. 

To book a place please contact Terri Dorman on 0344 225 3622 or e mail tdorman@parkinsons.org.uk or Satpal Ghatora on 0344 225 3700 or email sghatora@parkinsons.org.uk by Monday 28th February 2022 giving your name, email, telephone number and which area you live in.