Parkinson's UK and Open University Hailed

This press release was originally published by Parkinson's UK on the 12 May 2017

Parkinson's UK and Open University Hailed

A trailblazing partnership between the Opening Educational Practices in Scotland project, hosted by The Open University in Scotland, and Parkinson’s UK’s Excellence Network team has been recognised by the 2017 Scottish Charity Awards.

The Understanding Parkinson’s online learning course for health and social care professionals has been shortlisted in the Demonstrating Digital category of the Awards with winners due to be announced on 22 June.

The nomination also means the charity is in the running for the Scottish Charity People’s Choice Award – voted on by members of the public.

Katherine Crawford, Scotland Director at Parkinson’s UK, says:

Parkinson’s UK is thrilled that the judges have recognised our trailblazing Understanding Parkinson’s course. Developed in Scotland, the programme harnesses the power of digital learning to help health and social care professionals provide even better services for people with Parkinson’s in Scotland and throughout the UK.

“The course is free, easy to access and simple to use and already we are seeing around 30 people passing the course each month. Course graduates tell us they plan to improve practice and influence change in their organisations. This will provide better services and improve the lives of the 11,000 people in Scotland – and 127,000 in the UK – with Parkinson’s.

“We’re delighted too that we are in the running for the People’s Choice Award and we call on all our supporters to get behind our bid and vote for us online.”

Pete Cannell, Co-Director of the Opening Educational Practices in Scotland (OEPS) project said:

“This course and the way it has been developed by Parkinson’s UK is ground-breaking and we're delighted that has been recognised.

Combining their expertise on Parkinson’s with our knowledge of open education and accessible learning to create Understanding Parkinson’s’ increases understanding of the condition and helps people to access relevant and useful information, tips and ideas where and when they want.

"That others can adopt and adapt the course for free helps it reach an even wider audience and do more good."