Policy

We take all appropriate opportunities to influence public policy for the benefit of people living with Parkinson's. This includes responding to relevant government consultations and Select Committee Inquiries.

Our policy positions are developed on the basis of discussions with people with Parkinson’s and their carers, as well as health and social care professionals and other experts. We regularly hold focus groups on key topics in which people can share their experiences and ideas. 

We use a range of strategies to ensure the issues that are important to people with Parkinson's are addressed. 

These strategies include:

• working with the NHS and social care organisations locally and nationally to improve the treatment and care for people with Parkinson's
  
  
• working with professional associations and organisations concerned with standards and best practice to ensure the quality of care received by people with Parkinson's
  
  
• meeting with Ministers, politicians and civil servants to raise key issues and influence policy appropriately
  
  
• organising events in the UK parliaments and assemblies and during the party conference season to raise awareness and build support
  
  
• responding to relevant Government consultations
  
  
• forming alliances with other organisations to push for change
  
  
• commissioning research to build the evidence base and help influence policy direction
  
  
• working with people with Parkinson's to bring their direct experiences to the attention of decision makers, in order to illustrate campaign messages as powerfully as possible

For more information about current policy issues, click on the links below:

• Our 2010 General Election manifesto - 3 pledges for Parkinson's
  
  
• Improving support for carers
  
  
• Welfare reform
  
  
• Social care reform
  
  
• Parkinson's and the debate on assisted suicide