About us
We are people living well with Parkinson's. We have learnt that meeting and sharing information following our diagnosis made a difference.
Welcome to the Parkinson's Hertfordshire Wellbeing Directory
The Directory provides pathways to information and local accessible support that helps you live well and take ownership of your condition. Our partners are Parkinson's UK and the NHS and we are advised and supported by experts, giving us an integrated approach to Parkinson's.
Who we are
We are a local group from Hertfordshire with Parkinson's. We are generally of a working age or lead an active lifestyle, balancing the needs of family and work. We meet every six weeks online and in person three times a year. The group is informal and independent offering a chance to chat freely, share learnings and provide support.
What info you can expect
Themes we cover:
- Information and support
- Charities
- Research
- Movement and exercise
- Nutrition and diet
- Complimentary therapies
- Work and finances
- Carers and benefits
- Devices and aids
- Media and resources
- Driving
Find out what is available locally in Hertfordshire on our activities page.
Take a look at the Wellbeing Directory here.
Meet the team
Russ Price
I am married with two young children and work full time as a senior manager. I live in St Albans, Hertfordshire. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015 and have developed a strong understanding of what it takes to help yourself “Live Well With Parkinson's”, staying active with work and family life. I co-founded the group with the NHS and Parkinson's UK and hope this website will help you navigate the information you need, giving you the confidence to live well.
Ahlam Conti
I am a retired Architect and am married to Sal with two grown up children. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in January 2018. Since then I have been taking an integrated approach to manage and live well with my condition. This includes healthy eating, quality food supplements, exercise (currently walking and swimming), homeopathy, message therapy, yoga, sound therapy and Alexander Technique.
Matt Moore
I am married to Sue and we have been together for over 30 years. I continue to work full time as a printer. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s In October 2020. During that consultation, I was told exercise was key to living with PD but knew little else. This group has been a great source of information, help and support. This made me realise that with this new knowledge, I could manage my condition better.
Warren Holdershaw
I am happily married to Lynda and have two adult daughters who live in Tokyo. I was diagnosed with Parkinson's in June 2021 and so far have managed to stay off the meds. I work for an international retailer and they are extremely good at adapting to my requirements with the ever changing symptoms of Parkinson's.
Tracey Smith
NHS Senior Nurse
I am a specialist Parkinson's Nurse. I am passionate about educating and supporting people living well with Parkinson's. I support good self management, this includes keeping physically, socially and mentally active. I have worked in this speciality for 18 years. When not at work I enjoy walking, cooking but most importantly spending time with my grandchildren, family and friends.
Julie Wilson
Area Development Manager (Herts), Parkinson's UK
I am Julie Wilson the Area Development Manager for Parkinson's UK covering Hertfordshire. I have been employed with charity since 2006.
It is so much more than a job to me. I am passionate and motivated to help to create opportunities for people to live well with Parkinson's, and meet local needs. In Hertfordshire we have partnered with the health service and other organisations to ensure people that are newly connected have a clear pathway to activities and support in their local community. We hope that this webpage will help showcase all of the wonderful work happening in Hertfordshire and sign post people easier and earlier to essential services and self-help.
Dr Lucy Annett
Senior Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Hertfordshire
I am Research Champion and Vice-President at the West Hertfordshire branch of Parkinson's UK, and a Senior Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Hertfordshire. I have been involved with Parkinson's research for many years, including research investigating changes in the brain, drug treatments, and potential benefits of dance and music for people with Parkinson's.