The University of Kent’s Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy (PCIT) has been chosen to receive the Outstanding Achievement in Community Outreach Award at the Global Health Awards 2025.
In a ceremony at the House of Commons yesterday evening (Thursday 10 July) chaired by The Lord Loomba CBE, PCIT was recognised for its ‘exceptional commitment to engaging and supporting the Parkinson’s community through innovative, person-centred care.’
The judging panel was unanimous in its decision, praising the depth of PCIT’s clinical impact, the strength of its community engagement and its leadership in shaping inclusive models of care.
Based on Kent’s Canterbury campus, the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy has acquired over 300 members since opening in 2023. The Centre provides individualised, comprehensive support for people living with Parkinson’s disease to enhance physical and mental health. Their therapies include neuro-physiotherapy, speech & language therapy, counselling, sleep management, and non-invasive brain stimulation. These are complemented by group exercise classes, arts & crafts sessions, singing, a carer support group, and even a hair & beauty salon and charity shop! Together these services provide the treatment that people need as well as the well-being opportunities that they want.
PCIT also has a community hub, Pathway, which is run by its two longest standing members as a space for all members to socialise, plan events and support each other. From an online private Facebook group, to a monthly email newsletter rounding up news and celebrating members’ milestones, Pathway brings together those with Parkinson’s Disease to help enhance mental outlook and quality of life.
Director of PCIT, Professor David Wilkinson, said: ‘We are honoured to have received the Community Outreach award at this year’s Global Health Awards. It was such a pleasure and privilege to be accompanied by members of my team to receive the award. Everyone’s Parkinson’s journey is different and the bespoke, compassionate support offered by the PCIT team is just incredible. My hope is that this award will encourage others living with Parkinson’s disease to visit us.
