Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

Adapted from content provided by Clair Mace (Parkinson’s Disease Nurse specialist, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust) on 18/05/2026.

Parkinson’s therapy and support services

Speech and language therapy

People with Parkinson’s (PwP) can have shallow breathing, incomplete vocal cord closure, reduced articulatory precision. The speech and language therapy service provides an assessment of PwP for difficulties with speech as communication becomes more challenging.

The service may offer an exercise programme (LOUD group LSVT) to help maintain speech. The service also provides an assessment of swallowing to reduce the risk of choking/aspiration and may consider the appropriateness of Diet Standardisation framework and/or refer on to the ear, nose, throat (ENT) team depending on the outcome of their assessment.

PwP will need to be referred either through their speciality or via their GP.

Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) | NUH

Occupational therapy

The occupational therapy (OT) service helps to maintain safety and independence, work/ leisure/ social roles, and maintain or improve physical performance. It also helps to manage emotional problems, anxiety management, deterioration of cognitive function and risks.

PwP will need to be referred by their clinical specialist team or self-referral to community OT.

Physiotherapy 

The physiotherapy service provides assessment and treatment programmes for:

• Gait, balance, posture – specific exercise programmes
• Early intervention & falls preventions/reduction
• Compensatory strategies and cueing techniques
• Functional ability / assisting in management of pain management

If you attend the movement disorder clinic a physiotherapist specialising in movement disorders is usually available to assess your specific requirements whilst you are attending your clinic appointment.  There are physiotherapy exercise groups run specifically for people with Parkinson’s by the movement disorder physiotherapist on Wednesday afternoons (2.30pm to 3.30pm) and evenings (7pm to 8pm) in Nottingham.

PwP will need to be referred by their clinical specialist team, GP or self-referral to community team.

Dieticians

There is not a service within the area.

PwP would need to be generally referred by a GP.

Physical, emotional and psychological support

Besides input via OT, there is no specific service for psychological support. PwP would need to generally be referred by a GP or self-referral.

Self-referral: Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Talking Therapies

Local help and support

Parkinson’s advisors

Parkinson’s advisors can help if you:

–        have just been diagnosed and are looking for advice and information

–        are looking for tips on how to deal with the day-to-day impact of Parkinson’s

–        need support with caring for a partner, friend or family member

–        need emotional support

–        want to find out more about the services available in your area

–        want to learn about your rights and entitlements

–        need help navigating the benefits process

–        need information on where to find grants and financial help

–        are looking for support on employment issues

–        need support with anything else relating to your life with Parkinson’s

Advice and support groups 

Support networks are available for PwP for partners locally including educational events, days out, befriending services.

Nottingham area has, for example, a younger onset group as well Nordic walking groups.

Find support and activities near Nottingham

Other local information

Parkinson’s Nurses

The Parkinson’s nurse team support people throughout the Parkinson’s journey through a variety of clinics, including the newly diagnosed clinic, general follow ups and support with future planning and onward referrals.

Community Support

Details for support from local occupational therapy, social services etc for people who require more support to continue to live at home can be found below:

Nottingham City: Adult Social Care – Nottingham City Council
                                 Complete a self-referral

Nottinghamshire: Adult Social Care Hub | Nottinghamshire County Council
                                 Complete a self-referral

Welfare Rights Service

The welfare rights team can help with:

• Benefit checks
• Advice on claiming identified benefits
• Assessments to check eligibility for disability benefits e.g. Personal Independence Payment/Employment Support Allowance
• Advice on the expected outcome of a claim and what to do if it’s not successful
• Taking emergency action identified on any debts or signposting to alternative advice services
• Challenging DWP/HMRC or Local Authority Benefit decisions

Advice on how to claim any grants/trust funds you may be entitled to.

Welfare & Debt Advice – Nottingham City Council

Carers Support

TuVida Carer Support Services (Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire)

Wellbeing (available to county residents only)

Nottinghamshire’s Wellbeing Service – Your Health Your Way

Daytime activities for older people – Services – Radford Care Group

Find support and activities near Nottingham

For up-to-date information, please refer to your local NHS resources. Zambon has had no influence on the content except for amendments which may have been made for medical and compliance purposes.