Community Voices (Editorial Board member for The Parkinson magazine (3-year term)))

The Parkinson is the membership magazine for Parkinson’s UK. It is sent to around 35,000 members 3 times a year. To make sure that content is as engaging and accessible as possible for the Parkinson’s community, we need the real Parkinson’s experts - people who live with the condition, or care for someone who does.

Who do we need? We need around 10 volunteers to sit on The Parkinson Editorial Board, to help review, amend and suggest content for the magazine over the next 3 years. They may have Parkinson’s themselves, or be the friend, carer or family of someone with Parkinson’s.

What is involved? The board members will review the proposed content for each magazine issue - from the initial content suggestions through to the final print version. Members are also very welcome to suggest ideas for articles. Meetings are held in our London office at 50 Broadway, but Board members are welcome to attend by videocall.

Interested in taking part? Please contact the Editor Helen Jefferies at hjefferies@parkinsons.org.uk, with a few lines about why you are interested in this role.

Project background: All Parkinson’s UK members get a print, email or audio copy of The Parkinson 3 times a year, produced by the charity’s Health Content team.

It’s where we share the stories of people from the Parkinson’s community, ask the experts your burning questions, and suggest practical tips for managing symptoms and daily life.

It’s important that the magazine represents the whole Parkinson’s community, including:

• people recently diagnosed, or whose symptoms are mild
• those who have lived with it for many years, or whose Parkinson’s is advanced
• the family, friends or carers of people with Parkinson’s
• older people, and those of working age
• people living in all areas of the UK.

The Editorial Board plays a vital role in making sure that magazine content reflects the complex reality of Parkinson’s. We rely on Board members to tell us what questions need answering, and what the biggest challenges are for people with Parkinson’s today.

What’s involved? For each issue, the Board will:

• suggest topic or story ideas
• receive the proposed content by email
• meet to review draft content and flag concerns. Meetings typically last around 3 hours, and lunch is provided for those attending in person. Parkinson’s UK can refund the cost of your travel or accommodation, subject to our Volunteer Expenses Policy.

What skills are required?

• Confidence in reviewing documents and taking part in email correspondence.
• The ability to join online video conference meetings OR travel to central London for meetings.
• Enthusiasm and willingness to share your thoughts about making each issue engaging and useful for readers.

Please note: You do not need any experience of writing or editing. What is most valuable is a willingness to give honest, constructive feedback based on your experience of Parkinson’s.

What is the time commitment? This is a 3-year commitment, covering 9 issues of The Parkinson. The first Editorial Board meeting will be held on 2 October 2025.

Guidance on claiming travel expenses, travelling to in-person meetings, and how to join online meetings will be provided.