New project tackles Parkinson’s mental health gaps
A new 12-month project aims to improve access to specialist mental health care for people with Parkinson’s facing moderate to severe mental illness.
The initiative will gather experiences from patients, carers and healthcare professionals to understand barriers and explore solutions for improving support.
Moderate to severe mental illness is common in Parkinson’s and includes conditions that significantly affect quality of life, cause distress, increase risk, or worsen motor and cognitive symptoms. These often require prompt care from a mental health specialist.
The project is led by Parkinson’s UK and comes as the NHS refreshes its 10 Year Health Plan and Long Term Workforce Plan.
The charity says that despite government and NHS England efforts, progress in mental health provision for Parkinson’s has been minimal.
Current challenges include unequal access to services, staff shortages and concerns over care quality. Mental health symptoms can also make managing Parkinson’s more difficult.
The project will consult with people living with Parkinson’s, their carers, and healthcare professionals to understand their experiences and gather ideas for improving access to care. The findings will inform recommendations to the government and NHS.
People with Parkinson’s who have experienced significant mental health challenges requiring specialist input, along with their carers, are encouraged to take part.
Professionals working in the field are also invited to contribute.
Discussion groups will take place on:
31 July 2025 at Charles Musgrove Village Hall near Wincanton
12 August 2025 at Parkinson’s UK office in London
14 August 2025 in Woodhall Spa
The project is seeking participants willing to share their experiences and views on how mental health support for people with Parkinson’s can be improved.
Input from patients, carers and professionals will be crucial to shaping future services.
Those interested can contact the project team to register for a discussion group or to contribute through other means.
