How to Find Local Parkinson's Support in Edinburgh and the Lothians

Updated

Edinburgh Parkinsons (edinburghparkinsons.org) is a local community for people living with Parkinson's, their families, friends and care-partners across Edinburgh and the Lothians. It offers a friendly local community, weekly classes and events, support and advice, and a focus on wellbeing. If you need national advice instead, Parkinson's UK runs a free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.

What Edinburgh Parkinsons Offers

The branch describes itself as a community of people affected by Parkinson's in Edinburgh and the Lothians, with four main things members can expect:

  • A warm and friendly local community
  • Lots of weekly classes and events
  • Meaningful support and advice
  • A positive focus on wellbeing

Member comments on the site describe it as a source of information, mutual support, interesting talks, and a varied programme of groups and classes suited to different tastes and abilities. One member, Bill, describes it as "a constant positive" since becoming involved in 2000.

How to Get Involved

The site's main routes in are the About us and Join links, which explain who the branch is and how to become part of it. If you are unsure whether the branch is right for you, the member quotes give a sense of what regular involvement looks like: meeting up, sharing experiences, and taking part in classes and talks.

National Support and Advice

If you need to speak to someone outside the local branch, Parkinson's UK provides a helpline:

Contact Detail
Helpline 0808 800 0303
Email [email protected]
Email response time Within 5 working days
Text relay 18001 0808 800 0303
Textphone 0808 800 0303 (textphone users only)

The helpline is described as a free and confidential service providing support to anyone affected by Parkinson's.

Events and Courses

The site's Latest news section lists current activities. Recent items include:

  • Side by Side with Parkinson's Course – a course aimed at carers, friends, family or work colleagues of someone with a Parkinson's diagnosis, running for 6 weeks.
  • 2026 Edinburgh Parkinson's Lecture – a recording made available on the branch's YouTube channel.
  • Open to All online information session – 'Get Active with Parkinson's' – hosted by Parkinson's UK Scotland, a presentation followed by Q&As.

Check the Latest news page for dates and joining details, as these change over time.

Research Involvement

The Edinburgh Research Interest Group (ERIG) meets for those interested in Parkinson's research. The site's "Interested in Parkinson's Research?" section is the starting point if you want to find out more or get involved.

Donating

The branch welcomes online donations, including via Just Giving. UK taxpayers can increase the value of a donation by completing a Gift Aid form, downloadable as a PDF from the site.

Quick Reference

  • Local community and activities: edinburghparkinsons.org – see About us and Join
  • National helpline: 0808 800 0303 (free, confidential)
  • Email: [email protected] (replies within 5 working days)
  • Research: Edinburgh Research Interest Group (ERIG)
  • Donations: via Just Giving, with Gift Aid option for UK taxpayers