Team helps sick to claim cash

23 February 2010

A NEW team of information and support workers have helped Parkinson's sufferers in Newham claim thousands of pounds in benefits.

They helped 60 people claim more than £4,000 in benefits last year.

The Information and Support Workers team at the Parkinson's Disease Society have also helped them access other services that they may have missed out on.

The new service now covers every part of the UK, reaching out to more people than ever before.

The charity developed the service as a direct result of listening to the needs of people with Parkinson's and their carers.

Navigating the health, social care and benefits system can be difficult, and people don't know where to go for help. The service enables people to access the service and benefits they need.

Diane Benali, Information and Support Worker at the Parkinson's Disease Society, covering Newham, Barking & Dagenham, Redbridge and Havering, said: "Now that we can cover every PCT in London, we are helping more people affected by Parkinson's than ever.

"There are nearly 15,000 people with Parkinson's in London, and, in 2009, over 1,500 people have been referred to the ISW service, with nearly £1,500,000 claimed in benefits.

"I am delighted to play a vital role in the service we offer, giving people affected by Parkinson's up-to-date information and emotional support to deal with the fluctuating nature of the condition, and help people to find their way through the health and social systems.

Visit parkinsons.org.uk/isw to find out who can help you locally.

For information and support call the Parkinson's UK free confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303 or visit parkinsons.org.uk/isw