First Steps programme

First Steps is our online programme for people recently diagnosed with Parkinson's and their family, friends and carers.

The programme

In 3 sessions, we’ll help you to take the first steps in making sense of your diagnosis. And we’ll empower you to start living well with Parkinson’s by providing you with the information and support you need.

This programme is for you if: 

  • you’re looking for ways to make sense of your diagnosis 
  • you don’t know what information and support is available to you 
  • you feel ready to meet other people who have also been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and their family, friends and carers. 

You’ll take part from the comfort of your own home, joining a small group of 8 to 10 other people who have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Some people take part with a family member, friend or carer, but you don’t have to. You’ll be able to ask questions, share your experiences and connect with people who are at a similar stage in their Parkinson’s journey.

Hosted by volunteers who have Parkinson’s, the programme spans 3 2.5-hour sessions on Zoom. Sessions 1 and 2 take place over 1 week or weekend, and session 3 takes place 4 weeks later. We’ll have regular breaks throughout each session. 

To take part, you will need access to a device with a webcam and a reliable internet connection. If you’re not feeling confident using Zoom, we offer support in how to get started and use the key features.

 

Session 1: 

  • making sense of your diagnosis

  • facts about Parkinson's

  • the healthcare professionals that can help you to manage your Parkinson’s.

Session 2: 

  • the information and support that’s available to you

  • the practical things you need to know, such as employment, driving and prescriptions

  • the importance of physical activity in managing your Parkinson's.

Session 3, which follows up 4 weeks later:

  • check in and catch up 

  • 2 separate group discussions: one for people living with Parkinson’s and another for family, friends and carers

  • tips for coping on difficult days, and the support options available to you and your family, friends and carers.

People tell us that after they take part they feel: 

  • less alone after meeting other people in a similar situation
  • more positive and confident in moving forward
  • informed of the information and support available.

Here's what some people have told us:

“I feel more optimistic about my diagnosis now. It's really helped me to accept that I have Parkinson's.

"I feel more informed and not so alone" 

“I feel more optimistic about my diagnosis now. It's really helped me to accept that I have Parkinson's.”

 

"I would definitely recommend this programme to newly diagnosed people. The information you receive is fantastic and very helpful."

Book your place on First Steps

There are 3 sessions in each group, with a 4-week gap between sessions 2 and 3, so please make sure you can commit to the 3 dates in the group before booking a place.

Please note, if a family member, friend or carer is taking part with you, you will need to book 2 places.

 

Group 11

Each session runs from 6.30pm to 9pm

Session 1: Tuesday 30 April 2024

Session 2: Tuesday 7 May 2024

Session 3: Tuesday 18 June 2024

Book your place on Eventbrite 

 

Group 12

Fully booked

 

Group 13

Fully booked

 

Group 14

Each session runs from 6.30pm to 9pm

Session 1: Wednesday 15 May 2024

Session 2: Wednesday 22 May 2024

Session 3: Wednesday 26 June 2024

Book your place on Eventbrite

 

Group 15

Each session runs from 10am to 12.30pm

Session 1: Friday 17 May 2024

Session 2: Friday 24 May 2024

Session 3: Friday 28 June 2024

Book your place on Eventbrite

 

Group 16a

Each session runs from 10am to 12.30pm

Session 1: Tuesday 4 June 2024

Session 2: Tuesday 11 June 2024

Session 3: Tuesday 9 July 2024

Book your place on Eventbrite

 

Group 16b:

Each session runs from 1pm to 3.30pm

Session 1: Tuesday 4 June 2024

Session 2: Tuesday 11 June 2024

Session 3: Tuesday 9 July 2024

Book your place on Eventbrite

 

First Steps in Oxfordshire

Across Oxfordshire, we are piloting a return to face-to-face delivery of First Steps, hosted by volunteers who have Parkinson’s.

Book your place on First Steps Oxfordshire

Other Newly Diagnosed events

Webinar: Parkinson's diagnosis - What you wish you had asked

Since your diagnosis, there may be things you wish you had asked. Now is your chance! Join our webinar on Tuesday 30 April at 7pm for people recently diagnosed with Parkinson's, their families and friends. Our panel of experts includes specialists and people with lived experience of Parkinson's. They will be there to answer your questions about Parkinson’s (for example tips on taking medication, exercise, support with finance or employment, symptoms or the impact on driving).

Join us, bring your questions, or send them in advance on the booking form.

Book your place on Eventbrite

 

Newly Diagnosed Welcome Sessions

This session is for people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s and is a chance to share your diagnosis with others who have also been recently diagnosed. There will also be an introduction to support offered by Parkinson’s UK.

Book your place:

Tuesday 9 April

Tuesday 14 May

 

Wednesday 10 June

 

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact the First Steps team on 020 7963 9381 or email [email protected].