Parkinson’s hub in Warwickshire faces closure without new volunteers
Around 1400 people are living with Parkinson's in Coventry and Warwickshire.
A Parkinson’s UK branch in Stratford-upon-Avon is issuing an urgent appeal for volunteers, as the group faces closure.
The branch, which has been running in the town for 39 years, is looking for a chair and several committee members to keep the group operating, managing the finances, and coordinating activities.
They could be forced to shut as current volunteers step away from their roles.
Carole Longden, Branch Chair and volunteer for nearly 16 years said: "For nearly four decades, this group has offered support to the Parkinson’s community in the area.
"We desperately need new volunteers who can help coordinate our activities. And without a chair and several volunteers, the branch will have to close, which will be a tragic loss to those affected by Parkinson’s."
Emma, Parkinson, Network Volunteering Manager, Parkinson’s UK said: "Activities provided by local groups are a lifeline for people in the area who are living with Parkinson’s, but unless new volunteers step forward people could be left without the support they need."
Around 153,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson’s - a brain condition that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
Parkinson's UK funds research into the most promising treatments, and fights for fair treatment and better services
There are also around 365 Parkinson's UK local groups throughout the UK, which are run by volunteers who are trained and supported by Parkinson's UK staff.
Visit parkinsons.org.uk for more information about Parkinson’s UK support groups.
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