Residents are being urged to get in touch if they can spare a few hours each month to ensure the Parkinson’s UK Bradford and Shipley support group is able to carry on helping people affected by Parkinson’s disease.
The group, which has been running for several years, is in high demand with many people from the local community living with Parkinson’s.
However, the group could be forced to shut as volunteer numbers have dwindled.
Clare Root, network support officer at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Activities provided by local groups are a lifeline for people in the local area who are living with Parkinson’s, but unless new volunteers step forward, people could be left without the support they need.
“If you can spare a few hours a month we’d love to welcome you to volunteer alongside the amazing people who are part of the group – because with your support we really can change lives.
“As well as making a big difference to people living with Parkinson’s in your local community, volunteering is a great opportunity to try something new, have new experiences and meet new people.
“Please join us.”
‘Being a volunteer is so wonderful and rewarding’
The Bradford and Shipley support group meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Bolton Methodist Church Hall on Bolton Road, Bradford, from 7.30pm.
The group also hosts a seated exercise class at the same venue every Tuesday from 10.30am.
Pat Roberts, who has volunteered with the support group for nearly 13 years, said it makes a positive difference to the lives of many local people with Parkinson’s.
She told the Telegraph & Argus: “Attracting new volunteers can be hard – many people are so busy these days.
“But being a volunteer with this group is so wonderful and rewarding – it’s why I’ve done it for so long.
“We’d love to attract more people so we can carry on our really important work in the community.”
Parkinson’s is a condition which affects the brain.
It causes problems like shaking and stiffness which get worse over time.
Around 153,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, including more than 12,000 in the Yorkshire and Humber area.
For more details about volunteer vacancies at the Bradford and Shipley support group, contact Clare by calling 0344 2253611 or emailing [email protected]
Visit parkinsons.org.uk for more information about the Parkinson’s UK charity.
This was shown first on: https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/24001393.bradford-parkinsons-uk-support-group-makes-volunteer-plea/
