The Guildford & South Surrey Branch is affiliated to Parkinson’s UK and is organised and run by a Committee of dedicated volunteers. Through its own fundraising, the Branch provides a wide range of activities to support those living with Parkinson’s in the Guildford and South Surrey area and their families and friends.
We provide three important elements which Parkinson’s consultants advise is vital for all people who have Parkinson’s to do:
- Stay physically active
- Stay mentally active
- Stay socially active
Perhaps most importantly, we try to ensure that anyone who has been recently diagnosed with the condition is aware of the help, support, services, friendship and social activities we offer.
Our branch has around 380 members. They are mainly people who have Parkinson’s, but our membership also includes carers, family members, and friends. We keep in touch by post, monthly email, this website, and our Branch magazine published three times a year.
So please, explore our website and consider joining our Branch.
The Branch is part of the main Parkinson’s UK Charity and we carry the same charity number as Parkinson’s UK.
Becoming a Branch Member enables us to ensure you are kept aware of all our Branch organised activities, many of which are subsidised from Branch funds.
As well as having access to our Branch website, members also receive our Branch Magazine The Park, either by email or paper copy three times a year and receive an emailed Newsletter every 6 weeks updating members on what is happening for the month ahead.
Becoming a Branch Member is simple. Please complete the online membership form. Alternatively, if you wish to download the hard copy version of the membership form to complete and post then contact our Membership Secretary: Mr Keith Black, via our online contact form.
There is no membership fee (although you can make a donation to Branch Funds at any time!). Carers or other family members should join separately.
We believe that it would benefit you to join both the Branch and Parkinson’s UK. Joining the Branch is free (see above). Individuals who are members of Parkinson’s UK do not automatically become Branch Members, as members can choose the branch nearest to them. The branch will keep you informed of local activities.
If you are in a GU postcode or bordering on it you are welcome to join us.
For information about the activities offered by Guildford and South Surrey Parkinson’s Branch you can explore our website, download the leaflet here or contact our committee by email info@guildfordparkinsons.org.uk.
All members and their partners, carers or family members are welcome to attend our monthly afternoon social meetings, which are held ‘in person’ on the last Tuesday of the month at Shalford Village Hall, Kings Road, Shalford, Guildford Surrey GU4 8BQ.
These meetings are free of charge to attend although the proceeds from our monthly raffle help to cover our costs of the hall hire and tea cake. These meetings allow you to meet new friends, learn from each other’s experiences and often hear a guest speaker whilst having light refreshments.
New members please note that we meet at the Upper Hall, (by the tennis courts) of Shalford Village Hall, to arrive from 1.45 pm to start the meeting at 2.00 pm.
For dates of upcoming meetings click here.
We offer a range of activities, many are subsidised by the branch. For more information visit our exercise and speech page.
The best reassurance comes from our members – here is an extract from an email who joined the Branch less than 1 month previously and took up one of the Exercise Classes:
“I just wanted to say thank you for the exercise classes provided by as well as generously subsidised by the Guildford branch of PUK.
“I was terrified of going as I have never been into such activity, preferring to get all the exercise I needed from gardening but I had realised I needed to do more to fight back against this irritating condition.
“I went to the first two and found it was no problem and super friendly and when the third one was cancelled I found I was disappointed which made me realise I must be enjoying them!”
Family members, friends and carers are very welcome to attend a number of our social events and this can ease the anxiety of our members who come along. Our annual summer picnic and Christmas lunch are well attended by a large number of Members with Parkinson’s and their guests. Partners also come along to our monthly Recently Diagnosed Group meeting on Tuesday evenings and to our monthly Wednesday evening Friendship meetings.
The village hall is accessible to those with walking aids and wheelchairs. There is a ramp from the car park up to the Hall and the venue is then on one level.
Branch members receive our Branch Magazine The Park, either by email or paper copy three times a year and they also receive an emailed Newsletter every 6 weeks updating members on what is happening for the month ahead.
Becoming a Branch Member is simple. Please complete the online membership form. Alternatively, if you wish to download the hard copy version of the membership form to complete and post then contact our Membership Secretary: Mr Keith Black, via our online contact form.
No. Our activities and social meetings are held in person.
The Branch hires Shalford Village Hall and abides by conditions of hire. Under these conditions no dogs except guide dogs/ assistance dogs can be brought into the hall, unless the Village Hall Committee grants permission.
Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s can be a very emotional experience but no one has to face Parkinson’s alone. Knowing where to find answers to your questions can make a real difference.
Join our local Recently Diagnosed social meetings held on the second Tuesday of the month. These are held at the Grantley Arms pub in Wonersh, Guildford at 7.00 pm.
For details of upcoming meetings click here.
Parkinson’s UK also has a great deal of information on its website (www.parkinsons.org.uk/)
They also offer a free, confidential, helpline on 0808 800 0303.