Parkinson's UK Farnborough and District Branch
No-one should have to face Parkinson's alone
The Tech Guide is new and, as the name suggests, has listings and some reviews of “devices [eg wearable devices or gadgets] and apps that could improve your quality of life, so you can make more confident decisions about using technology to manage your health and lifestyle”
(Wording and image taken from the Parkinson’s UK website)
Click here to go to the Tech Guide
It is frequently updated, so worth having a look at from time to time.
For our October meeting we were privileged to welcome Katherine Fletcher, who leads the research communication team at National Office. She gave a wide-ranging talk about progress in tackling Parkinson’s. You can find out more about research by clicking here
Join the Research Support Network of Parkinson’s UK. More details at https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/research/get-involved-research. As a member you will receive notifications, usually via email, about opportunities to take part in research projects. These vary from detailed clinical trials of new treatment techniques to simple on-line surveys. You can even play a role in helping to develop research projects and deciding which projects should get funding.
This is a great way to keep up to date with research – and to play your part in making that research successful!
Here is some information from Rushmoor Voluntary Service about their RVS Home Help Scheme.
“The scheme offers “practical help with light housework and shopping – helping people to remain independent at home for as long as possible. It is a not for profit service set up to provide light housework and shopping to frail and elderly people living in Farnborough, Aldershot and parts of Hart. Referrals for the service can be made by individuals, family members or from GPs, Social workers and other agencies. Our priority is to offer the service to the most frail and elderly to enable people to remain independent and in their own home for as long as possible. RVS Home Help is a ‘paid for’ service charged at £20.40 per hour.”
Information updated 29/9/2025
What is the best compliment a group can get at the end of a concert? A member of the audience coming up and asking if they can perform at another event!
This is what happened when Kevin Manley brought a small ukulele group to our November social evening . It was one of the best evenings we have ever had and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. We were still buzzing about it weeks later. The key was the first song – if we sang along to that, the evening would probably be a success. Did we sing?! Too right we did … and we were still going strong 45 minutes later with the final song, “Sailing” complete with actions. Part way through came the big challenge : we were all to sing “Pack up your troubles in your old kitbag” followed by “It’s a long way to Tipperary”, then one half of the room sang “Pack up your troubles” again while the other half sang “Tipperary”. We did it so well, that we did it all over again, and loved it.
Talking products is the name of a company based in Romsey which sells products, such as pill boxes for which you can record a brief message as reminders. They target their uses at people with dementia though some of the products could be useful for other people too.
Here is a link to their website
The following was first posted in 2016 but surprisingly it is still correct. The card does cost just £20 for a year.
You can get a Disability Railcard for £20 which entitles you to 30% off rail travel for yourself and a travelling companion if you are in receipt of a Personal Independence Allowance, a Disability Living Allowance or an Attendance Allowance. More details and information about how to apply at www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk
“Disability Equipment Service aims to be a ‘one stop shop’ service for disability equipment. They say “We are not trying to compete with anyone, but to provide an easy to use central website that gives organisations and individuals a convenient way to buy or sell disability equipment.” www.disabilityequipmentservice.co.uk
Dialling 999 in an emergency is a familiar idea. Please also be aware that you can use 112 as well. 112 might be the better choice from a mobile as even if your network would give you a weak or non-existent reception, one of the others will be used to make your connection. It is the more reliable way to make the emergency call from a mobile. Also 112 can be used in any EU country to link to emergency services.