Llanelli’s MP Nia Griffith has pledged to work to improve the lives of people suffering from Parkinson’s disease for World Parkinson’s Day (Wednesday 11th April). The MP and her office have signed up for workplace training run by Parkinson’s UK.
Nia Griffith MP explained: “Parkinson’s affects 1 in 350 people in the UK, yet there is often little understanding of the symptoms and how to treat those affected in public and at work.
“A survey has found that 32% of people with Parkinson’s do not feel their symptoms are socially acceptable, and large numbers report being stared and laughed at in public. It is shocking that people with Parkinson’s are still often mistaken for being drunk when out in public.
“Clearly we have a long way to go before people understand how Parkinson’s affects people’s lives and how to treat those affected by the condition properly and with the respect they deserve. My office and I will be undertaking workplace training by Parkinson’s UK in order to learn more about the challenges people with Parkinson’s face and how best to support them.
“I hope more organisations and businesses will sign up for this training, and that everyone will Unite for Parkinson’s and be aware of how they treat people affected by the condition.”
With 145,000 people across the UK affected by Parkinson’s and the number expected to increase by a fifth by 2025, the charity Parkinson’s UK is aiming to change attitudes about Parkinson’s to make life better for everyone living with the condition. On World Parkinson’s Day 2018, they have launched a petition to get more workplaces to sign up for Parkinson’s training, which can be signed here: https://e-activist.com/page/20039/petition/1?ea.tracking.id=Website
Steve Ford, Chief Executive of Parkinson’s UK, said: “We are thrilled that Nia Griffith MP and her team have signed up to our Parkinson’s in the Workplace training.
“Lack of public understanding can make simple things like getting the bus, going to work, or even heading out to the pub with friends daunting for people with Parkinson’s.
“That’s why one small action like signing up to learn more about the condition can have a big impact on people with Parkinson’s. We look forward to seeing the difference Nia’s support can make for her constituents in Llanelli.”
