Links & Support

Helpful resources, local services and expert guidance.

Finding the right support can make all the difference when living with Parkinson's.

We've compiled essential resources, from national Parkinson's UK services to local Chester organisations. Whether you need healthcare advice, practical support, or innovative solutions, you'll find helpful contacts here.

Parkinson's UK National Resources

Helpline

Free confidential support line
  • Available Monday to Friday: 9am to 6pm, Saturday: 10am to 2pm

  • Phone: 0808 800 0303

  • Email: hello@parkinsons.org.uk

  • Advice, emotional support and Parkinson's Adviser service

Official Website

Comprehensive information and support
  • Visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk

  • Information sheets, research updates, and resources

  • Online community and forum

Local Branch Listing

Find us on the national directory

Healthcare Services

Parkinson’s UK local Advisers

Do you need help? For example, with an application for a Blue Badge, to complete forms for Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or something similar? Parkinson’s local advisers are there to help. You are not alone, contact Rachael Millington or Sara Owen today: rmillington@parkinsons.org.uk or sowen@parkinsons.org.uk

Phone: 0808 800 0303

The Walton Centre Neurological Nurse Advice Line

Specialist neurological support
  • Phone: 0151 556 4008

  • Available: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm

  • For anyone receiving treatment at The Walton Centre

What they help with:

  • Managing appointments

  • Accessing specialist nurse support

  • Signposting to therapists and consultants

  • Advice about your neurological condition

Important: This is not an emergency service - call 999 in emergencies

Neuro Therapy Centre

Our key partner for specialist therapies
  • Wide range of therapies for neurological conditions

  • Expert practitioners

  • Contact us for signposting to their services

  • Phone: 01244 678 619

Chester Support Services

Cheshire Change Hub

Your local health and wellbeing service

Age UK Cheshire Information and Advice

Free confidential service for older people

Falls Prevention Service - Cheshire Change Hub

Stay standing strong
  • Phone: 0300 777 0033

  • Website: Falls Prevention

  • Exercise programmes and home assessments

Falls Prevention - Healthbox CIC

12-week Strength & Balance programme

Call Companions

Telephone befriending service for people with Parkinson's & their carers

Who is eligible:

  • Anyone over 18 with Parkinson's and their carers

How to access the service:

  • Referrals through Parkinson's Local Advisors

  • Referrals through other health professionals

  • Referrals through family and friends via the Parkinson's UK Call Companions web page

  • Self-referral by filling out the online form

  • Call 0800 716 543 to self-refer

What happens after referral: Once referred, Re-engage will call to discuss interest and preferred contact frequency. Clients can receive up to weekly calls, with the service continuing until no longer needed. Volunteers are matched based on shared hobbies and interests, and are trained with knowledge of Parkinson's condition to provide tailored, enjoyable conversations.

Blue Badge Benefits

Free travel and parking for Blue Badge holders

Free Mersey Crossings:

  • Bridges: Mersey Gateway Bridge and Silver Jubilee Bridge (between Runcorn and Widnes)

  • Cost: £5 one-off registration fee, then unlimited free crossings

  • How to register: https://www.merseyflow.co.uk/blue-badge

  • Requirements: Must be registered Blue Badge holder with Merseyflow

Blue Badge Parking in Chester:

  • General benefit: Park in any pay and display car park for up to 4 hours without charge

  • Dedicated Blue Badge car parks:

    • Frodsham Street, Chester, CH1 3JJ

    • Hamilton Place, Chester, CH1 2BG

    • Central Palace Drive, Northwich, CW9 5DW

Pay-on-Exit Car Parks (Microchip Required):

Available pay-on-exit car parks: New Market Car Park (Chester), Little Roodee (Chester), Garden Lane (Chester), Brook Street (Chester), Watergate (Chester), Trinity Street (Chester), Memorial Hall (Northwich), Frodsham Station (Frodsham)

Small Good Stuff

Directory of small, local care and support services

About the Service: Small Good Stuff connects people seeking care and support in local areas with others who can help. The directory supports people taking control of their own support choices, often using personal budgets or their own money. It helps match people with tailored, creative local supports that go beyond traditional formal care services, connecting those who need help with local people and groups who can provide what's needed.

CEA Card

Free companion tickets at UK cinemas
  1. Website: https://www.ceacard.co.uk/

  2. Eligibility: Recipients of Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, or PIP

  3. Benefit: Complimentary ticket for a companion at participating UK cinemas

Access Card

Photo ID for communicating access requirements
  1. Website: https://www.accesscard.online/

  2. Features: Photo ID with disability symbols showing barriers faced and reasonable adjustments needed

  3. Use: At events, venues, and online ticketing platforms to unlock access facilities

The Bladder & Bowel Community

Support for bladder and bowel conditions
  1. Website: https://www.bladderandbowel.org/free-just-cant-wait-card/

  2. Services: Support, information, and guidance for people with bladder/bowel conditions and their carers

  3. "Just Can't Wait" Card: Free digital card for smartphone (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) or purchase plastic card online - provides quick toilet access

Radar Key

Universal key for disabled toilets
  1. Cost: £8 from Parkinson's UK

  2. Purpose: Independent access to locked public toilets across the UK through the National Key Scheme (NKS)

The Parkinson's UK Brain Bank is the world's only brain bank solely dedicated to Parkinson's research.

By pledging your brain to Parkinson’s research, you can help find a cure to transform the lives of 153,000 people living with Parkinson’s in the UK.

What is the Brain Bank?

The Brain Bank, based at Imperial College London, collects precious tissue from people with and without Parkinson's who have decided to leave their brains to Parkinson's research. The donation of brain tissue has already led to major advances in our understanding of Parkinson’s and resulted in new treatments being developed and tested.

People with and without Parkinson's can sign up and pledge to donate their brain for research. Donation is not an easy decision and we are extremely grateful to the donors and their families who have chosen to do this.

For more information about how you can help: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/research/parkinsons-uk-brain-bank

Innovative Support & Technology

The Parkinson's Post

Production, printing and wide distribution of the Parkinson's Post,  which we consider to be a very useful document, not just for those with Parkinson’s but those who have an interest in Parkinson's.

Parkinson's research needs everyone

People with and without Parkinson's, of every age, gender and ethnicity. Without volunteers, progress in Parkinson’s research would be impossible. Taking part in a research study can come in many forms, from questionnaires to trialling new treatments. Some research can be done from home, while other opportunities will involve visiting a hospital or research centre.

Whatever you're ready for, you can make a difference.

Contact: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/research/take-part-research