CHESTER is set to host an information event for those who have recently been diagnosed with or have a connection to Parkinson’s.

The event, organised by Parkinson’s UK’s Chester and District branch, will provide people across Cheshire with information and advice about locally available support for themselves and their loved ones.

Speakers and contributors at the event will include Nikul Bakshi, national researcher for Parkinson’s UK, The Walton Centre - Leader in the treatment and care of neurology and neurosurgery and the Neuro Therapy Centre, plus Parkinson’s advice and information on how to benefit from everything your local branch has to offer. The event will be opened by Samantha Dixon MP.

The free event is taking place at St Columba’s Church Hall, Plas Newton Lane, Chester CH2 1SA on November 2 and will run from 1pm to 4pm. The event is fully accessible with free refreshments and booking is not required.

The Chester and District branch meet every third Thursday of each month, from 2:30pm to 4pm at Hoole United Reformed Church, Hoole Road, Hoole, Chester, CH2 3NT. There is free parking on-site and people are welcome to join for a cuppa and a chat.

Emma Hughes, Area Development Manager at Parkinson’s UK, said:

“Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s can be a shock and adapting to life with the condition can be hard for the person involved and their loved ones too. But we know that getting the right information and support at the right time can make all the difference.

“That’s why we’re proud to be able to offer this opportunity to people across Cheshire who are living with Parkinson’s and look forward to welcoming people to this very special event.

“It is vital that we can support everyone affected by Parkinson’s, so that together, we can move towards everyone with the condition feeling empowered to take back control of their life with Parkinson’s.”

Phil Nuttal, Branch Volunteer at Parkinson’s UK’s Chester and District branch, said:

“Since I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s last year, to not have joined Parkinson's UK would have been obtuse but having done so the benefits to my mental health when I became involved with our local branch are, I think, significant. 

“There are three main elements to this. The availability of easy access to advice about a wide range of practical matters is comforting to me and having people to talk to who are in the same situation is likewise comforting. 

“Most importantly however, many of those people I now regard as friends and I look forward to meeting up with them at the various social events organised by the branch. One can never have too many friends.”

Around 153,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, including around 5,922 people in Liverpool, Merseyside and Cheshire.

Parkinson's UK is the UK's leading charity supporting those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's through pioneering research, information, support and campaigning.

For information about the event, contact Parkinson’s UK’s Chester and District branch at parkinsonschester@gmail.com or call 0794 1839161.