World Parkinson’s Day (April 11th) is a vital moment to shine a light on a condition that affects thousands across the UK. This year, we took that mission directly into the heart of the community.

On Friday, April 10th, the Wythenshawe Forum became a hub of information, support, and expert advice as LCO staff hosted a dedicated public engagement stand. Led by Gifty Kuthinha and Jacquie Gray (Parkinson’s UK Health Advisor), and supported by Joanne Ritchie (Lead for Central Stroke and Neurorehabilitation) and Quality Matron Sarah Armistead, the event was a true showcase of collaborative care.

The Changing Face of Parkinson’s

The urgency of these community events is backed by recent data. The 2026 Parkinson’s UK audit revealed a significant rise in cases, climbing from 148,000 to 166,000 annually. Perhaps most striking is the increase in Young Onset Parkinson’s, with more individuals being diagnosed under the age of 55.

Expert Support from Diagnosis to Palliative Care

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative condition, but the message from the day was clear: diagnosis is not the end of the story. Throughout the day, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and Speech and Language Therapists from across Central and South Manchester joined the stand to explain how a multidisciplinary approach helps patients thrive. By focusing on:

• Specialist Education: Empowering patients to understand their symptoms.

• Timely Treatment & Monitoring: Catching changes early to adjust care.

• Exercise & Health Promotion: Keeping the body and mind active to slow progression.

Empowering Self-Management

The ultimate goal of the LCO team is to help people self-manage their condition effectively. This not only improves the quality of life for the patient but also plays a crucial role in preventing unnecessary hospital admissions. Whether someone was newly diagnosed or seeking advice on palliative support, the team was there to ensure no one in Manchester has to navigate Parkinson’s alone.