A collaborative initiative on the Isle of Wight, led by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with the local Parkinson’s community, has received national recognition, recently winning the Mali Jenkins Award at the Parkinson’s UK Excellence Network Awards. The award celebrates services that put people living with Parkinson’s and their families at the heart of care.
The project started as a ten-week course for people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s, bringing them together to share exercises, hear from experts, and connect with others facing similar challenges. It quickly grew into The Isle of Wight Parkinson’s Project: Bringing People with Parkinson’s and Service Providers Together, creating a space where members of the Parkinson’s community and health professionals could collaborate, support one another, and shape care together.
From course to community
Rebecca Verling, a community physiotherapist at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, who initiated the project, said,
“The Mali Jenkins award truly is about working together, joining forces, collaborating, coproducing.
“I love the ethos of this, because it is so obviously the best way. It is such an honour for us all to receive this.
“The Isle of Wight Parkinson’s Project was and is a huge labour of love.”
Activities shaped by those involved
Today, the project brings together people living with Parkinson’s, their families, volunteers, and health professionals in a variety of activities.
Community members have launched table tennis and bowling groups, organised fundraising projects, and created collaborative events such as the Sparky Parky Variety Shows, all shaped and driven by those involved.
“A privilege to be part of such a community”
Caroline Linton, diagnosed with Parkinson’s six years ago and now a volunteer for the project, said,
“I was invited to attend the ten-week course that Rebecca had set up. The course was brilliant – every week we did targeted exercises and listened to a talk from a relevant discipline or charity. I made some wonderful friends, and we continue to meet up regularly.
“I offered to sit in with subsequent courses to encourage others and link them with other groups. It has been a privilege to be part of such a community and to see the activities and connections that have grown from the ten-week courses.
“This has been thanks to Rebecca’s drive to bring people together and raise standards, and to others she has connected with who share her passion. This award recognises the collective effort of everyone involved in creating that community.”
Voices heard, valued and applied
David Temple, who is actively involved in the project and whose wife has been living with Parkinson’s, added,
“This award celebrates services that put people with Parkinson’s at the heart of everything they do.
“It recognises those who ensure that people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones are involved in shaping and improving the services available. Their voices are heard, valued, and applied.”
About Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition affecting around 166,000 people in the UK, with someone diagnosed every 20 minutes. The number of people living with Parkinson’s worldwide is expected to double to 25 million by 2050, making projects like the Isle of Wight’s vital for education, support, and community connection.
Early support, education, and peer networks make a real difference in improving confidence, independence, and quality of life.
The award comes ahead of World Parkinson’s Day on Saturday 11th April, showing the positive impact of communities and collaborative care on the lives of people with Parkinson’s.
News shared by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, in their own words. Ed
