Havering Carers Support Service
Support for unpaid adult and young adult carers aged 16+ in Havering. If you are a carer providing help and care to family members and friends, we are here to support you.
Resources > Healthy Body
Parkinson’s
A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is life changing. There is support available for you and your family.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson's disease is a condition that affects the brain.
It can impact your body and mind. You may find it hard to move your body the way you want to. You might become shaky and feel low.
What are the symptoms?
There are over 40 symptoms of Parkinson’s and everyone’s experience is different. However, according to Parkinson's UK, these are the most common symptoms:
- tremor
- rigidity (stiffness)
- slowness of movement
- mild memory and thinking problems
- sleep problems
- pain
- mental health problems, including anxiety and depression
Not everyone gets these symptoms and Parkinson's is different for everyone.
If you are worried that you feel this way, you should visit your GP. They will talk to you about your symptoms and refer you to a specialist who can support you.
Living well with Parkinson’s
Everyone’s experience of living with Parkinson’s is unique. It can affect you in different ways. It is important to try to stay physically and mentally healthy.
Parkinson's support groups & helplines
Havering and District Branch of Parkinson's UK
Our group offers friendship and support locally to people with Parkinson’s, their families and carers, contact us to find out more.
For information about our group’s activities, contact Karina Prithwani
0344 225 3609
Parkinson's UK national helpline
For information and advice on Parkinson's, or for emotional support, call the Parkinson's UK helpline on 0808 800 0303.
Eating well
Some people find that simple changes help them to manage their symptoms. If you have Parkinson's, you can try to:
- Drink more fluids and eat fibre-rich foods to ease constipation.
- Avoid large and sugary meals to lower your blood pressure.
- Eat oily fish, eggs and cereals to keep your bones healthy.
Keeping active
Moving can make your body and mind feel better. The more physically active you are, the easier it is to live well with Parkinson’s. You can play sport, walk with your family, or practice movements like standing up from your chair.
There are also some activity groups in Havering specifically for people with Parkinson's, such as:
- Bat & Chat table tennis for people with Parkinson's at MyPlace (Harold Hill)
- People with Parkinson's get free Everyone Active memberships in Havering
Getting out and about
Take a look at our Accessible Transport page for ways to help you travel around the borough.
Support for carers
Unpaid carers are the backbone of our community. If you are someone who gives informal care to family and friends on a daily basis, you are a carer and can get support.
Related Services
Related services
Assistive Technology & Telecare Products
Telecare is equipment and services that supports safety and independence in the home.
Parkinson’s UK Havering & District Branch
Our group offers friendship and support locally to people with Parkinson’s, their families and carers, contact us to find out more.
Parkinson’s UK Helpline
For information and advice on Parkinson's, or for emotional support, call the Parkinson's UK helpline on 0808 800 0303
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