Parkinson's UK Local Support activity guide
Want to find or share support and activities available in your community? Discover everything from seated exercise and singing, to complementary therapies and carers meetings using our Local Support Tool.
Our Local Support Tool is here to help the Parkinson's community find local opportunities. Many of these activities are run by Parkinson’s UK, while some are offered by other organisations and charities. This guide explains the different types of activities we share.
If you’re an organisation, this will help you decide if what you’re offering is a good fit for our tool. And if you’re affected by Parkinson’s, this will help you understand how you can use the tool’s filters and icons to more easily find what’s right for you.
Physical activity can help manage Parkinson's symptoms, and make people feel good inside and out. Discover the different ways to get active that we share.
Learn about the different types of creative pursuits, complementary therapies, and clinical support we share that can improve wellbeing.
Understand the different supportive opportunities we share, from social groups to Parkinson’s programmes, to help people live fully with Parkinson's.
Exercise
Physical activity can be as important as getting the right dose of medication for people living with Parkinson’s. We share a range of activities that get people active and can improve their mobility, coordination and balance, strength and aerobic fitness.
Exercise classes
We share a variety of exercise classes, ranging from low to high intensity, and seated to standing. These include options like yoga, Pilates, tai chi, Nordic walking, and circuit training. Some classes are Parkinson’s specific, while others may be more general and open to wider groups with similar needs, such as those with other neurological conditions.
Sports
Sports include boxing, walking football, table tennis, badminton, golf, bowls and boccia.
Dance and movement
This includes various forms of dancing and movement to music, such as chair dancing and ballet.
Wellbeing
These activities are designed to improve emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing for people affected by Parkinson's.
Creative activities
Creative activities include art, crafting, singing and writing. These pursuits can help boost confidence and improve quality of life for people affected by Parkinson’s.
Complementary activities
Complementary therapies include relaxation classes, aromatherapy, reflexology, acupressure, laughter therapy, reiki, Alexander technique, and massage.
Although these therapies aren’t proven to stop, slow down or reverse Parkinson’s, many people find them beneficial. It’s important for people to explore what works for them. Learn more about complementary therapies on our website.
Clinical therapies
Clinical therapies include physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, podiatry, hydrotherapy, counselling, and conductive education.
These therapies can help people with Parkinson’s to manage their symptoms. Different therapies will appeal to different people, so people should try things out to see what suits them best. Learn more about clinical therapies on our website.
Support
Support covers a broad range of opportunities designed to help people live fully with Parkinson's, offering connections, practical assistance, and confidence-building programmes.
Mutual support
Mutual support helps connect people affected by Parkinson’s across the UK, both in-person and online. This includes various opportunities, such as:
- Parkinson’s cafes: For informal chats and social connections.
- Group meetings: For general support and shared experiences.
- Carers meetings: For those caring for someone with Parkinson’s.
- Online forums: To connect with people living further afield.
These activities provide a space for people to find support from others who understand their circumstances and share their interests.
Social activities
Engaging in social activities helps people affected by Parkinson’s live a full life. They don’t need to be big or expensive, just enjoyable. We share lots of these opportunities, including:
- Tea and coffee mornings
- Tea dances
- Activity groups
- Poetry and prose discussion
- Drop-ins and get-togethers
- Friendship groups
- Lunch and dinner clubs
- Reminiscence groups
- Outings and lunches
Managing Parkinson’s programmes
These programmes offer support and boost confidence, empowering people to take more control of life with Parkinson's in a way that's right for them. An example is First Steps, a Parkinson’s UK online programme for people recently diagnosed with Parkinson's and their family, friends, and supporters. Other programmes are available that can support people with the daily impact of Parkinson’s.
Befriending
For those feeling isolated, befriending can connect them with their local community. A friendly chat can make a real difference. While Parkinson’s UK doesn’t currently provide a direct befriending service, we can signpost to other local organisations and schemes that do. This includes Call Companions, a telephone befriending service delivered in partnership with Re-engage, for older people with Parkinson’s and the people who care for them.
Financial assistance
If people affected by Parkinson's or their carers have concerns about managing financially, support is available to help them understand what they're entitled to. This includes information on local support, grants, and benefits. For example, Parkinson’s UK offers grants of up to £1,500. You can find out more about the Parkinson’s UK Personal Assistance Grants on our website.
Other help and advice
There may be other opportunities for people affected by Parkinson’s to access help and advice that doesn’t fit under the other support types.
Have a question? Get in touch
If you have any questions or feedback about the types of activities shared on our Local Support Tool, please let us know by emailing [email protected].
Disclaimer for opportunities not delivered or provided by Parkinson’s UK
Please note that some activities are not organised by Parkinson’s UK (company number 00948776). Parkinson’s UK is not responsible for the activity and is not liable for any advice given or treatment received, or for any loss or damage incurred because of attending the activity.