Volunteers needed to help Parkinson's support group

The group takes place once a month at the Wheatpieces Community Centre

A charity support group that provides a "lifeline" for people with Parkinson's disease has issued an urgent appeal for volunteers.

Parkinson's UK's Tewkesbury group said it may have to close if nobody offers "a few hours of their time every month".

The group, which has seen its current lead volunteer step down, meets once a month at the Wheatpieces Community Centre.

Local volunteer officer for Parkinson’s UK in the South West, Hannah Spawls, said: "As well as making a big difference to people living with Parkinson’s, volunteering is a great opportunity to try something new."

About 153,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, including 4,062 people in Gloucestershire, the charity said.

Chair of Parkinson's UK's Cheltenham and District branch, Jonathan White, said: "You come out of these meetings feeling you've actually made a difference, and I think that's really important in life."

But he added there is a chance the Tewkesbury group will not be able to continue due to a lack of volunteers.

Mr White, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's two years ago, added: "What I find is that it gives an awful lot to me as well as other people."

'A big impact'

Ms Spawls said the activities provided by local groups are a "lifeline" for people with Parkinson's in the area.

Parkinson's UK hopes to find a cure for the disease and improve life for those affected by it.

Those interested in volunteering for the support group can register their interest on the Parkinson's UK website.

The person who becomes branch committee volunteer, which has been described as a "flexible role with a big impact", will be supported by the Cheltenham branch.

They will be responsible for ensuring local people with Parkinson's can access activities that make a real difference to them and be involved in setting up monthly meetings and welcoming group members.

The charity said it would also like to welcome new members who have a connection to the disease.