Has Your Life Been Touched by Parkinson’s Disease? 

With 120,000 people in the UK with Parkinson's, it is estimated that up to seven million people’s lives have been touched by the condition in some way. Parkinson's is a progressive, neurological disorder which can affect all activities including talking, walking, swallowing and writing. With 10,000 people newly diagnosed each year in the UK, and one in 20 of these under the age of 40, there is an increasing need for a support network to let all these people know they do not need to cope with this challenge alone.

The Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS) has 30,000 members, 19,000 supporters and over 300 branches and support groups throughout the UK. Here in Leighton Buzzard, we have an active, well-established local branch of the PDS, providing information and when necessary a friendly face with an understanding of the problems and fears of the sufferers and their families, not only the early stages but also providing ongoing support. There are monthly meetings for members with a wide variety of speakers, a summer outing and a Christmas lunch. The local branch can also help with the cost of respite care and Complementary Therapies to improve quality of life.

Although there is promising ongoing research being undertaken, at present there is no known cure for Parkinson’s. It is vital therefore that the PDS continue offering all the help, support and friendship possible to sufferers and their families. However the Society relies on the support of local people, so here in Leighton Buzzard the future of their invaluable work is not guaranteed without your help.

Are you enthusiastic, organised and enjoy meeting new people? If so, you could volunteer as a Programme Officer, organising the annual programme of meetings, arranging speakers and venues, organising social activities and assisting with transport arrangements where needed. 

One of the key roles for the Society in Leighton Buzzard is that of Welfare Officer. This role involves working with the committee and welfare support organisations to respond to the welfare needs of members and other people affected by Parkinson’s within the branch’s catchment area. If you have a friendly, sensitive approach and would like to have the chance to make a real difference, this could be the role for you.

Do you have good management skills and the ability to see the bigger picture? The Society is looking for a Chairperson to lead and guide the branch and ensure its work is carried out sensitively and effectively. This also involves maintaining good communications between the committee, branch members and the National Office. A Vice-Chairperson is also needed in a supportive role.

The Society is also looking for an enthusiastic, outgoing person to co-ordinate local fundraising activities within the branch, to encourage local sources of funding and to liaise with the fundraising department about local involvement in national appeals and events. New ideas are very welcome. 

If you are interested in any of the featured opportunities with the Parkinson’s Disease Society, please contact Rebecca or Lucy at the Volunteer Centre at Voluntary and Community Action on 01525 850559 or email volunteer@action-southbeds.org.uk  If you would like to explore other volunteering opportunities that are available in South Bedfordshire please contact the Volunteer Centre for a Volunteering Directory or to arrange an informal chat.

ENDS

About Voluntary and Community Action
Voluntary and Community Action is committed to strengthening the effectiveness of the voluntary and community sector in South Bedfordshire by developing, enabling, promoting and supporting voluntary and community action. It seeks to achieve this through advocacy; capacity building activities; enhancing the provision of volunteering opportunities; the exchange of information; the provision of training; advice and consultancy; and by working in partnership with others.

Contact:          Georgina Sorrell, Volunteering Adviser
Address:          Bossard House
                       West Street
                       Leighton Buzzard
                       Bedfordshire LU7 1DA
Telephone:       01525 850559                                        Email:              volunteer@action-southbeds.org.uk