frequently asked questions
FAQs
Where is the PCIT centre?
Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy
Tanglewood, University of Kent
Giles Lane
Canterbury
Kent
CT2 7LX
PCIT is owned and run by The University of Kent, Canterbury.
The Tanglewood building is home to the PCIT Reception and is where physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling and variety of therapeutic therapies take place, as well as assessments and research study sessions.
PCIT utilises a number of other spaces on campus, including the Sports Centre, Pavilion, Oasis Garden and Woodlands Building which is home to the ‘Parky’s Preloved’ charity shop.
Who is eligible to access treatments at the Centre?
We aim to make the Centre as inclusive as possible. Anyone, at any stage, with a Parkinson’s diagnosis is welcome to become a member. Partners, family members and carers of members are granted automatic membership and are welcome to book to participate in relevant activities and sessions. Occasionally we host activities created specifically around the wellbeing of carers, which will be advertised according to availability.
Do i need a referral to attend?
No. You can contact PCIT directly by phone, email or the website form to ask questions, book a tour, find out about membership, or arrange your first assessment appointment.
What will happen during my first visit to the centre?
You will meet with our Administration Team and if you are booked for an assessment on this occasion, you will have a relaxed, informal 90 minute assessment with one of the clinical team who will give you the opportunity to discuss how your symptoms affect you, tell your story and decide, with our clinician, which or our therapies and sessions may benefit you.
Our clinician will put together a person centred timetable based around information shared at your assessment.
You are welcome to bring a loved one or friend along for your assessment.
What should i bring to my first appointment?
You do not need to bring anything special. However, it may be helpful to bring:
A current list of your medications
Relevant medical letters or reports
Any walking, hearing or communication aids you regularly use
Notes about your symptoms, concerns and personal goals
You are also welcome to bring your partner, carer, family member or a trusted friend.
Does PCIT replace my NHS care?
No. PCIT does not replace your GP, neurologist, Parkinson’s nurse or NHS care team. Instead, we work to fill what they cannot offer, all in one place. With your permission, PCIT can send your report and care plan to your existing care team, including your GP, neurologist and nurse.
Can PCIT communicate with my GP or healthcare team?
Yes. With your permission, PCIT can send your personalised report and care plan to your existing care team, GP, Neurologist, Parkinsons nurse. This can help to solidate medication, treatment and overall action plans, keeping everyone informed so you don’t have to!
I have had Parkinson’s for many years. Can PCIT still help?
Yes. PCIT supports people at various stages of Parkinson’s disease. The centre offers personalised assessment, therapies, group classes and support designed around each person’s current needs, goals and wellbeing.
Does PCIT only support physical symptoms?
No. PCIT supports both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. Personalised plans are designed to address physical and mental health, and PCIT’s approach includes therapies, emotional support, group activities, research, and support for quality of life.
Is PCIT accessible
Yes. PCIT is based at Tanglewood on the University of Kent’s Canterbury campus. The building has step-free access through a ramped entrance and automatic push-pad doors. Please contact the team before your visit if you have any particular mobility, communication or accessibility needs so suitable arrangements can be made.
Will i be expected to take part in research?
PCIT regularly offers opportunities to take part in research exploring new ways to support people living with Parkinson’s. Taking part is entirely optional and will not affect your membership, therapies or care. Each study has its own requirements, and you will receive full information before deciding whether to give your consent.
What type of neurostimulation do you offer? Are these widely available?
We apply two different types of non-invasive neurostimulation in our research.
One delivers thermal stimulation (gradual heating and cooling) via a small metal probe embedded within a pair of headphones.
The other delivers gentle electrical currents to the bony patch of skin behind your ear.
The thermal stimulation device is very portable so is great for our research studies where people need to stimulate at home for several weeks. The electrical stimulation device has lots of parameters, which can be carefully controlled so lends itself to our experimental studies in our laboratories.
Where can I access information and support about Parkinson’s?
For further information on Parkinson’s, we recommend the following charities:
Parkinson’s Care and Support
UK, PO Box 3251
Mitcham, CR4 9EN
enquiries@parkinsonscare.org.uk
Tel: 020 3380 2573
https://parkinsonscare.org.uk/
Parkinson’s UK
215 Vauxhall Bridge Road
London
SW1V 1EJ
Tel: 020 7931 8080
Homepage | Parkinson’s UK
How do I make a donation?
If you would like to support our vital work by making a financial contribution of any level, please visit our ‘Donate’ page to find out more. If you’re ready to make a donation right away, you can do so by completing our online form.
Alternatively, please contact:
Anna Pollard, Philanthropy Manager, University of Kent
A.J.Pollard@kent.ac.uk or 01227 824670
Or, take part in a fundraising event in aid of the Parkinson’s Centre for Integrated Therapy.
Didn’t find the answer you were looking for?
Please reach out to us anytime and a member of the team will be happy to help.