Parkinson's UK’s Mansfield Support Group is funding a new social short breaks respite scheme, delivering vital support for local carers of people with Parkinson’s and people who live alone with the condition.

The funding will provide free professional respite care from Mansfield-based Respectful Care in the home or out in the local community for up to three hours a week for a maximum of 12 weeks.

To be eligible for the scheme, you must be an informal carer of someone living with Parkinson's at home or be living alone with the condition.

Recipients also need to live within 12 miles of Kirkby, or be a member of the Parkinson's UK Mansfield Support Group.

Parkinson's UK’s Mansfield Support Group is funding a new social short breaks respite scheme, delivering vital support for local carers of people with Parkinson’s and people who live alone with the condition

placeholder image — Parkinson's UK’s Mansfield Support Group is funding a new social short breaks respite scheme, delivering vital support for local carers of people with Parkinson’s and people who live alone with the condition

Eleanor Halford, area development manager at Midlands, Parkinson’s UK said: “I’m delighted our Mansfield Group can support this respite scheme, delivering essential support for local carers and people living alone with Parkinson’s.

“Whether it’s giving a carer the opportunity to rest and focus on themselves, or providing companionship and assistance to someone living alone, I hope this scheme can make a real difference for people impacted by Parkinson’s throughout Mansfield and beyond.

Self referrals to the Mansfield Social Short Breaks Scheme can be made to Respectful Care by phone by calling 01623 665 011 (ask for Jade) or by emailing [email protected] or Laura Cowley, Parkinson’s local adviser at Parkinson's UK at [email protected]

Healthcare professionals can also refer patients.

Both the carer and person with Parkinson's must agree to the referral being made.

Parkinson’s UK’s Mansfield Support Group meets from 2pm to 4pm on the second Wednesday of the month at The Acacia Centre in Annesley Woodhouse and offers friendship and support to local people with Parkinson’s, their families and carers.

Parkinson's is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time.

It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is no cure.

Someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the UK every 20 minutes and by 2050, the number of people living with the condition worldwide will double to 25m

Parkinson’s UK is the leading European funder of Parkinson’s research and there to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way.

For information and support, visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0808 8000303.