The Peer Support Service

Our free Peer Support Service puts you in touch with a trained volunteer who has a similar experience of Parkinson's to you - someone who understands. The service is for people with Parkinson's and carers.

Call 0808 800 0303 and ask for the Peer Support Service.

Many people have found that sharing experiences this way really helps them to find a good way to live with Parkinson's.

What can I use the Peer Support Service for?

You can use the service to talk to a trained volunteer about anything to do with Parkinson's.

This might be:

• Personal experience of treatments
• Ways of coping with Parkinson's
• Ways of caring for someone with Parkinson's

Our volunteers are also happy to help if you just want a good chat with someone in the same boat as you.

How does the Peer Support Service work?

We will match you with a trained volunteer with a similar experience of Parkinson's. They will phone you at a time that's convenient to both of you.

You can arrange to have up to 6 sessions with your volunteer.

Is the Peer Support Service confidential?

Yes, it's completely confidential.

How is it different from the helpline?

The Peer Support Service is not an information service like our helpline.

Instead it's there to help people with Parkinson's support each other by sharing experiences and ways of coping.

How do I contact the Peer Support Service?

Just call our helpline 0808 800 0303 and ask for the Peer Support Service.

Our Peer Support Service volunteers

Our volunteers can talk about a wide range of issues related to Parkinson's, based on their own experiences. Meet some of our trained volunteers:

Mark, diagnosed 1995

"We cover only the subjects that we have personally experienced.

"I'm happy to talk about deep brain stimulation and to discuss the fears and questions someone who is considering the operation may have.

"I have personal experience of this as I have undergone the surgery for both first implants and replacement batteries."

Ronnie, whose partner has Parkinson's

"My partner has been diagnosed with Parkinson's for 4 years, so I understand what it's like to live with someone with the condition and how frustrating it can sometimes be.

"My partner has also had Botox injections to manage drooling, so I feel I have some knowledge I could share with others about this."

Maria, diagnosed 2004

"I am happy to share my own experiences of living with Parkinson's. Some of the difficulties I have are around balance, back problems and mobility.

"My top tip for living with the condition? When I freeze, I rock myself from one foot to another as this helps me to start walking again."

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