Helpline: 0808 800 0303

Information and support workers

Our UK-wide network of information and support workers offers one-to-one information and emotional support to people with Parkinson's, their families and carers.

My local information and support worker helped me fill in my Disability Living Allowance application, which made sure I was paid without delay.

Claire Andrew, person with Parkinson's

Information and support workers are trained to provide:

  • up-to-date information on Parkinson's
  • emotional support to you and your family
  • information about benefits and help with the application process
  • information about and links to your local services
  • a supporting voice if you need to complain or are having problems getting your needs assessed

You can arrange a home, hospital, or residential nursing care visit from an information and support worker or phone them for support and information.

Find out more about the service from Diane Benali, one of our information and support workers.

Contact your local information and support worker

We have around 120 information and support workers, covering every primary care trust and health board area in the UK:

You can also phone our helpline 0808 800 0303 and we can put you in touch with your nearest information and support worker.

Ensuring access to benefits

Information and Support Worker Kay Andrews, with clientsIn 2009 our network of information and support workers doubled the amount of benefits received by people with Parkinson's and their carers the previous year.

News story: £7million in unclaimed benefits accessed in 2009

Image right: Kay Andrews, Information and Support Worker, with a couple affected by Parkinson's

Nottinghamshire Information and Support Worker Pat Lower recently helped a couple, one of whom has Parkinson's.

Neither thought social services was something they could access, despite being in need of support.

Pat persuaded them to let her contact social services. While sitting in on an assessment meeting, Pat was able to explain the day-to-day effect of the condition.

The assessor was then able to take the couple's needs into full consideration.

Grants for people with Parkinson's

Our Mali Jenkins Fund gives financial assistance towards equipment, adaptations and respite breaks that improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson's.