A Brixton-based venue will host a support drop-in event with a free hot lunch for people affected by conditions such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis (MS) and dementia.
Local people affected by Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer’s are invited to a supportive, free information day on Saturday, March 11.
Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world and an estimated 13,000 people are living with the condition in Greater London. With more than forty symptoms, it affects everyone differently.
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The event is co-hosted by Parkinson’s UK, the MS Society and Alzheimer’s Society, and welcomes anyone living, or caring for someone, with these neurological conditions. Organisers hope that meeting others in similar situations will help these people feel less isolated.
It is free, open to everyone and a hot lunch buffet will be provided.
Families from African and Caribbean communities are especially welcome – due to a lack of representation in research.
Experts will be there to inform people about therapies that are local to them, while people affected by the conditions will share their stories and practical tips for managing symptoms.
The panel will also give insights on the ways Parkinson’s, MS and Alzheimer’s can impact black and Asian people, whose experiences are often underrepresented in support services and research.
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Liz Nash, Research Support Network Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said: “For some people, these events are the first time they have ever met anyone else with Parkinson’s, or talked about it.
“We’d love to get guests interested in research, too. Parkinson’s affects people of all ethnicities across the UK, but we know that this diversity is not reflected in Parkinson’s research.
“This lack of representation means that new treatments may not be appropriate for, or available to, everyone. We need to involve, include and represent everyone in the Parkinson’s community for this to change.”
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Linda E, model and presenter, is on the panel. She has first-hand experience caring for a parent with Parkinson’s and said she found it hard to speak about.
“When my dad Stanley got his diagnosis, there weren’t really any other friends or people of my background that I could look up to and speak to about it,” she said.
“I couldn’t see anyone that was going through it from my heritage.
“It’s brilliant that this event is happening in Brixton for families like mine. When you are dealing with the daily struggles and symptoms of Parkinson’s, it’s vital to get practical support from local professionals and make social connections.”
Sam Walker, Executive Director of Services and Support at the MS Society, said: “It is estimated that over 17,000 people are living with MS in London alone. MS damages nerves in your body and makes it harder to do everyday things like walk, talk, eat and think.
“Events like this are crucial in helping us to reach more people in the MS community, bringing them together to share experiences and hear what services are available in London.”
For further information and free tickets, click here.
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