What we think
We influence public policy to benefit people with Parkinson's and carers. Read our policy statements. Get involved in our Policy Panel.
Public policy has a huge role to play in the lives of people with Parkinson's and carers. From prescription charges through to Parkinson's research, we engage with decision makers at all levels to ensure that our community's views are heard.
Policy work in action
Improving policies towards the care, treatment and welfare of people with Parkinson's means working in a number of ways:
- meeting with ministers, politicians and civil servants to raise key issues and influence policy appropriately - read more about our work in the UK parliaments and assemblies
- responding to relevant government consultations
- organising events in the UK parliaments and assemblies and engaging with politicians during the party conference season to raise awareness and build support
- working with professional associations and decision makers in the NHS and social care to press for better standards of care
- forming and joining alliances with other organisations to push for change
- commissioning research to build the evidence base and help influence policy direction.
Current Parkinson's UK policy work
Read our policy statements below to see what we believe about major public policy issues.
We need to be clear about what our opinion is on these issues, as unless we have a clear policy, we can't begin to campaign for change.
Our policy statements are developed on the basis of discussions with people with Parkinson's and their carers. We also talk to health and social care professionals and other experts.
This all forms an important part of the process for developing our policy statements.
Our policy statements
Research
Welfare, wellbeing and equality
Health systems, care and medication
- Complementary and alternative medicines and therapies
- Control, choice and personalised services in health and social care
- End-of-life decisions, including assisted suicide
- Funding and delivering long-term care
- Impulsive and compulsive behaviour as a side effect of Parkinson's medication
- Mental health
- NHS continuing healthcare
- Prescription charges
Parkinson's UK work and influencing
Our Policy Panel
Our Policy Panel is a group of people with experience of Parkinson's as a condition. They meet twice a year to help us form our official positions on public policy matters.
Elaine Evans, one of our Policy Panel members, explains the panel's role:
"At Policy Panel we discuss the key health, research and welfare issues that impact people affected by Parkinson's.
"All Panel members either have Parkinson's or have experience as a carer for someone with the condition. This ensures that the charity's policy is always centred on people who have 'lived' Parkinson's."
Share your opinion
We want to make sure that the Policy Panel continues to reflect the experiences of people from across the UK and from underrepresented groups.
For more information, contact Laura Mullaney, Senior Parliamentary and Public Affairs Adviser, on 020 7932 1323 or email [email protected]
We're always interested to hear your opinion if you feel there's a policy area that needs our attention.
Join our Campaigns Network
Our Campaigns Network is made up of over 8,000 people, all working together to make a real difference for people living with Parkinson's.
We'll contact you (normally monthly) with a campaign action for you to take, such as contacting the government or completing a survey.