Parkinson's UK
Parkinson's UK is the UK's leading charity dedicated to Parkinson's disease, providing information, a national helpline, an online forum, over 300 local groups, research funding, and professional networks to people with Parkinson's, carers, and healthcare professionals across the United Kingdom.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1969
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Parkinson's UK does
Parkinson's UK is a registered charity (England and Wales no. 258197; Scotland no. SC037554) founded in 1969 and headquartered at 50 Broadway, London, operating as a company limited by guarantee. It is the only major UK charity dedicated solely to supporting people affected by Parkinson's disease, serving an addressable population of more than 166,000 people living with the condition in the UK. The organization operates a horizontal support model across four persona segments: people with Parkinson's, carers and family members, healthcare professionals, and the general donor and volunteer public.
The charity's core service portfolio comprises a Drupal-based information website, a free national helpline (0808 800 0303) staffed by trained advisers and specialist Parkinson's nurses, a Discourse-powered online community forum, a network of more than 300 local groups, a research funding programme, the Excellence Network for healthcare professionals, an e-commerce shop (built on Shopify with Braintree/Stripe/Elavon payments), and a magazine. Two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Parkinson's Research Ventures Limited (IP licensing and research commissioning) and Parkinson's UK Sales Limited (merchandise and event trading), formalize adjacent revenue and IP activities. The technology stack is predominantly off-the-shelf: Drupal CMS, Cloudflare security, Google Analytics and Hotjar for behaviour analytics, and standard third-party integrations (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, ShareThis, Microsoft Advertising).
Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of voluntary donations and fundraising (including legacies and recurring giving), membership subscriptions, merchandise and daily living aids sales through the Parkinson's UK Shop, and event registration fees. The organization is supported by strategic partnerships with British Judo, TGA Mobility, the Walking Football Association, Forestry England, and academic partners (University of Hertfordshire, Anglia Ruskin University). Leadership comprises CEO Caroline Rassell, Director of Research Arthur Roach, Director of Digital Transformation and Communication Julie Dodd, and Head of Shared Adviser Services Kiran Chohan.
Parkinson's UK firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Parkinson's UK
- Legal name
- Parkinson's Disease Society of the United Kingdom
- Website
- https://parkinsons.org.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1969
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Parkinson's UK is the UK's leading charity dedicated to Parkinson's disease, providing information, a national helpline, an online forum, over 300 local groups, research funding, and professional networks to people with Parkinson's, carers, and healthcare professionals across the United Kingdom.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Parkinson's UK industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Neurological Disease Charity Services
- NAICS
- Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Other Grantmaking and Giving Services (813219), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disease-Specific Research & Support (e.g., Cancer, Diabetes, ALS) (BPAGACAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Movement Disorders (Parkinson’s, Tremor, Dystonia) (HLAKAIAC), Caregiver Support, Coaching & Training (HLADALAG), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG), Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM)
Keywords
Where Parkinson's UK is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Parkinson's UK business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Donations and fundraising: Voluntary donations from supporters, including one-time and recurring donations. Fundraising events, challenges, and appeals. Legacies and bequests. Online donation facility via Braintree.
- Membership: Membership subscriptions providing member benefits, governance participation, and engagement opportunities.
- Merchandise and shop sales: Sale of daily living aids, Christmas cards, stationery, general gift items, and merchandise through the Parkinson's UK shop (operated via Parkinson's UK Sales Limited subsidiary).
- Event registration fees: Registration fees for events, walks, challenges and activities. Processed through Stripe payment provider.
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels12 records
Parkinson's UK product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Parkinson's UK is a UK charity that delivers specialist information, practical and emotional support, and research funding for people affected by Parkinson's disease. Its core offering combines a comprehensive website and information resources, a free helpline staffed by trained advisers and specialist Parkinson's nurses, a network of over 300 local support groups, an online community forum, research funding programmes, professional networks for healthcare staff, and a charity shop selling daily-living aids and merchandise.
Product overview
Parkinson's UK operates as a charitable organization offering a unified support ecosystem rather than a software product with modules. The core offering comprises the main website (www.parkinsons.org.uk) providing information resources, a helpline staffed by trained advisers including specialist Parkinson's nurses, and the Parkinson's UK Forum (powered by Discourse) for peer support. These are complemented by a network of over 300 local groups for in-person connection, research funding programs, the Excellence Network for health professionals, an online shop, the annual Move for Nurses fundraising campaign, Par-Con community events, World Parkinson's Day awareness activities, and the Parkinson's UK Magazine. The portfolio works together to provide end-to-end support from diagnosis through ongoing management of Parkinson's.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Parkinson's UK Website and Information Resources Primary digital platform providing comprehensive information and resources about Parkinson's disease, including symptoms, treatments, drugs, healthcare, money and legal matters, equipment and technology, travel, work, friends/family/relationships, and daily living. Acts as the main hub for accessing the charity's support services and educational materials.
- Helpline and Adviser Services Free, confidential telephone and email support service staffed by trained advisers including specialist Parkinson's nurses. Provides information and advice on medical issues, employment, benefits, health and social care, emotional support, and local activities, and can connect users to local Parkinson's advisers for in-depth support.
- Parkinson's UK Forum Online community forum where people with Parkinson's and their carers can connect, share experiences, and support each other. Includes categories for research discussions, daily life topics, ways to take control, carers and family support, young onset Parkinson's, and social and creative content.
- Local Groups and Activities Network of over 300 local groups throughout the UK that run meetings, activities, and social gatherings. Provides in-person peer support and social connection for people affected by Parkinson's and their families.
- Research Funding and Participation Programmes funding Parkinson's research and offering opportunities for people with Parkinson's to take part in research studies. Includes Parkinson's Research Ventures, which funds innovative research projects in the Parkinson's indication through intellectual property licensing and research commissioning.
- Excellence Network Professional network providing networking, resources, learning, and information for health and care professionals working with people with Parkinson's, including a learning hub, specialist resources, and regional specialist groups.
- Parkinson's UK Online Shop E-commerce platform selling daily living aids, Christmas cards, stationery, general gift items, and products to support people with Parkinson's. Payments processed by Elavon secure payment provider.
- Parkinson's UK Magazine Regular publication providing news, features, and practical advice for the Parkinson's community. Available both in print and digital formats.
- Move for Nurses Campaign Annual fundraising campaign encouraging supporters to be active for 25 minutes every day in July to help fund 25 Parkinson's nurses. Combines physical activity (such as pilates, paddleboarding, walking, or weightlifting) with fundraising for specialist nursing care.
- Par-Con Annual Community Event Annual community gathering bringing together people affected by Parkinson's for connection, learning, and celebration.
- World Parkinson's Day Annual awareness event held on 11 April to raise visibility and understanding of Parkinson's disease globally.
Quantifiable outcome
- Improved mobility, balance, and quality of life for participants in specialist exercise programmes
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Parkinson's UK
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Parkinson's UK technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration9 records
AI capability1 record
Parkinson's UK partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- TGA Mobility LimitedcoreLong-standing partnership between TGA Mobility Limited and Parkinson's UK. TGA manufactures mobility scooters and has partnered with Parkinson's UK to support accessibility initiatives, including a planned 2026 walking event at Wendover Woods expected to attract around 500 participants. The partnership helps make outdoor spaces accessible for people with Parkinson's.
- British JudocorePartnership for the 'Finding your Feet' fall prevention programme which teaches judo-based falling techniques to reduce injury risk for older people and those with conditions such as Parkinson's. The programme was originally developed by academics at the University of Hertfordshire and Anglia Ruskin University. Funded in part by Parkinson's UK.
- Walking Football AssociationminorPartnership with Walking Football Association and Portishead Town FC to organize walking football events for people with Parkinson's, including the first South West Parkinson's walking football festival.
- Forestry EnglandminorForestry England acquired off-road mobility scooters for Wendover Woods in Buckinghamshire, making the 370-hectare forest accessible to visitors with mobility difficulties. TGA Mobility's partnership with Parkinson's UK will support a planned 2026 walking event at the forest.
- University of HertfordshirecoreAcademic partner that originally developed the 'Finding your Feet' judo-based fall prevention programme alongside Anglia Ruskin University. Programme teaches falling techniques to reduce injury risk.
- Anglia Ruskin UniversitycoreAcademic partner that originally developed the 'Finding your Feet' judo-based fall prevention programme alongside University of Hertfordshire. Programme teaches falling techniques to reduce injury risk.
- Portishead Town FCminorFootball club that hosted the first South West Parkinson's walking football festival in partnership with Parkinson's UK and the Walking Football Association.
- Hingham Sports CentreminorVenue for Specialized Pickleball for Parkinson's sessions in Norfolk, UK, where measurable improvements in participants' mobility, balance, and quality of life have been reported. Programme is recognised by Parkinson's UK.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Parkinson's UK competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- British Heart Foundation: One of the UK's largest health charities, with retail chains, research funding, and a national footprint. Comparable as a multi-channel UK health charity of substantially greater scale competing for the same donor pool.
- Cancer Research UK: Largest UK research charity by income, with a national fundraising and retail operation. Comparable as a dominant UK health-research charity that competes with Parkinson's UK for unrestricted and legacy giving.
- Alzheimer's Society: Largest UK dementia charity, operating a national helpline, local services, and a major research programme. Comparable as a UK disease-specific charity model with similar scale, multi-channel fundraising, and clinical advice line.
- MS Society: UK charity supporting people with multiple sclerosis via local groups, helpline, and research grants. Same structural template as Parkinson's UK (helpline + local groups + research) for a different chronic neurological condition.
- Motor Neurone Disease Association: UK charity for people with motor neurone disease, providing care services, local branches, and research funding. Comparable operating model and beneficiary profile (progressive neurological condition) to Parkinson's UK.
- Alzheimer's Research UK: UK charity dedicated to dementia research funding and public engagement. Closest UK analogue on the 'research-led' subset of Parkinson's UK's mission, competing for neuroscience research-donor mindshare.
Direct peers
- Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research: Largest private funder of Parkinson's research globally, with an active patient-engagement and clinical-trials platform. Closest peer on the research-funding side, and increasingly on the patient-data and digital tools side.
- Parkinson's Foundation: US-based national Parkinson's disease charity funding research and delivering support, education, and advocacy. Direct functional peer to Parkinson's UK, operating the same integrated support-and-research model in a different geography.
- Cure Parkinson's: UK-registered charity focused on funding clinical trials aimed at disease modification in Parkinson's. Directly competes with Parkinson's UK for research-donor pounds and research-grant influence within the UK.
Regional players
- Epilepsy Society: UK-based charity supporting people with epilepsy through information, helpline, and research. Smaller-scope peer with similar integrated support-and-research model for a different chronic neurological condition.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Parkinson's UK social profiles
Digital presenceParkinson's UK compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Parkinson's UK financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Parkinson's UK leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Parkinson's UK subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Parkinson's UK funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Parkinson's UK M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments11 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Parkinson's UK
What does Parkinson's UK do?
Parkinson's UK is a UK charity that delivers specialist information, practical and emotional support, and research funding for people affected by Parkinson's disease. Its core offering combines a comprehensive website and information resources, a free helpline staffed by trained advisers and specialist Parkinson's nurses, a network of over 300 local support groups, an online community forum, research funding programmes, professional networks for healthcare staff, and a charity shop selling daily-living aids and merchandise.
Is Parkinson's UK a public or private company?
Parkinson's UK is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Parkinson's UK founded?
Parkinson's UK was founded in 1969. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Parkinson's UK based?
Parkinson's UK is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Parkinson's UK make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Donations and fundraising is the primary driver. The others are membership, merchandise and shop sales and event registration fees.
Who are Parkinson's UK's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer's Society, MS Society, Motor Neurone Disease Association and Alzheimer's Research UK. Direct peers are Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Parkinson's Foundation and Cure Parkinson's. Epilepsy Society is listed as a regional player.
Does Parkinson's UK have an API?
No public API is recorded for Parkinson's UK.
What industry is Parkinson's UK in?
Parkinson's UK's product category is Neurological Disease Charity Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGACAA, Disease-Specific Research & Support (e.g., Cancer, Diabetes, ALS), with a secondary code of HLAKAIAC, Movement Disorders (Parkinson’s, Tremor, Dystonia). Its NAICS code is 813212 and its SIC code is 8300.