Progress Together: A Parkinson's Community Conference

Schedule

Fri Apr 17 2026 at 09:30 am to 04:00 pm

UTC+01:00

Location

University of Essex | Colchester, EN

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Parkinson's UK East region conference - Join us for support, advice and information at a day all about living well with Parkinson's.
About this Event

**Please note, due to admin, planning and confirmation of final numbers, tickets will be available until the 1st April 2026.

Parkinson's UK East of England regional conference - Join us for a day of support, advice and information about living well with Parkinson's.

Parkinson's UK presents the first ever East of England regional conference with key speakers, a large marketplace area, and physical activity sessions all available free of charge.
This conference is all about living well with Parkinson's so come along to hear talks about the condition and how you can manage it, whilst being able to access help, support and information from our attendee's.

Talks on the day will include;

  • Director of Research, Parkinson's UK - Professor David Dexter
  • Regional Clinical Lead and Consultant Geriatrician, Addenbrookes Hospital -Dr Alistair Mackett
  • Emeritus Professor, King's College London - Professor Peter Jenner
  • Clinical Fellow, Neurology, Cambridge University Hospital - Dr Saeed Kayhanian
  • Dr Peter Lovatt, dance psychologist also known as 'Dr Dance'
  • Members of our Parkinson's community.


Enjoy a marketplace area including;

  • Our research team
  • Campaigns team
  • Opportunities for local groups, activities and volunteering
  • Living aids
  • Health professionals
  • Partner organisations such as Home Instead and Citizens advice bureau.

Our carers section will include our fantastic local adviser service, on hand to give guidance and support on topics such as blue badges, PIP, carers allowance, benefits, and so much more. They are also on hand to chat should you just wish to discuss how you are finding your diagnosis, or living with someone with a diagnosis.
Physical activity taster sessions to take part in.

Physical activity is so important for Parkinson's, come along and try something new to see if you find a new hobby, or potentially something that could be available in your local area.
For professionals, an opportunity to network over lunch to share experiences and ideas. Our Regional Clinical Lead, Alistair Mackett, will join you to answer any questions you have about our Excellence Network.
A packed lunch provided free to all attendees, with free tea, coffee and biscuits available all day.
All talks will be recorded allowing you to attend the ones that interest you most, and catch up on the others later.
(Please book a ticket for each person coming along as we are limited on seating numbers, so if you are attending with two family members, please book three tickets and not just one for the person with Parkinson's. On booking, we will email you to obtain a registration plate for free parking, and to obtain dietary requirements for lunch.)
**Please note, due to admin, planning and confirmation of final numbers, tickets will be available until the 1st April 2026.


Agenda

πŸ•‘: 09:30 AM - 09:45 AM
Arrival and Registration

Info: Arrival at the Ivor Crewe lecture hall for all attendee's.


πŸ•‘: 09:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Welcome Messages

Info: Welcoming messages from the organisers, Parkinson's UK CEO Caroline Rassell talks about the new strategy.


πŸ•‘: 10:00 AM - 10:25 AM
A voice for Parkinson's

Info: Ali Turnbull and Christine Bullen share their stories of living with Parkinson's.


πŸ•‘: 10:30 AM - 11:20 AM
Parkinson's Q&A

Info: Professor Peter Jenner joins us for an informal Parkinson's Q&A session, ask anything you like related to Parkinson's, and allow Professor Jenner to break down some of the complexities of the condition.


πŸ•‘: 11:30 AM - 12:20 PM
Parkinson's research 2026 and beyond

Info: Professor David Dexter - Parkinson's UK director of research, gives updates and talks about current research projects.


πŸ•‘: 01:00 PM - 01:50 PM
Parkinson's Stem Cell Research

Info: Andy Cassy talks about his experience of using stem cell research to treat Parkinson's, he is joined by Dr Saeed Kayhanian who will explain the medical side of this research.


πŸ•‘: 02:00 PM - 02:50 PM
Non-motor Symptoms in Parkinson's: A Practical Guide

Info: Clinical lead Dr Ali Mackett talks about the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's, and gives tips on best practice around living with them.


πŸ•‘: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Dr Peter Lovatt aka 'Dr Dance'

Info: Dr Peter Lovatt also known as Dr Dance, author, academic and former professional dancer, joins us to talk about the relationship between dance and psychology in his own engaging and individual style.


πŸ•‘: 04:00 PM - 04:10 PM
Closing

Info: Closing messages.


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Where is it happening?

University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, United Kingdom

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Tickets

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Host or Publisher Parkinson's UK

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