National charity, PSPA, has confirm it has expanded its Helpline support in Wales. PSPA provides vital support and information to families living with rare conditions called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD), as well as healthcare professionals.

The expansion of the Helpline support includes a dedicated Helpline Care Navigator for Wales. The aim of this role is to help reduce isolation and uncertainty for people living with the conditions and their families. As well as improving awareness of the conditions among local health and social care professionals.

Dionne Ward joined the charity in February as the Helpline Care Navigator for Wales.

With experience in supporting people living with neurological and life-limiting conditions both in the charity and NHS sectors, Dionne is keen to share her passion for empowering people to live the best life possible.

As well as providing support and a listening ear, in her role with PSPA, Dionne can also provide supporting evidence for funding applications and signpost to services that can help. For healthcare professionals, Dionne will be networking to help strengthen links and raise awareness. She will also host an annual information event and team-based education sessions.

PSPA Helpline Manager, Julia Brown, said of the new role: “It’s exciting to grow our Helpline team with a new post in Wales. Raising awareness of PSP & CBD and increasing our existing support in Wales is important to PSPA. There are a few differences in both NHS and Social Care provision in Wales, and Dionne will be able to offer specific information and support around these.”

More information about the support the PSPA Helpline can provide can be found at www.pspassociation.org.uk/information-and-support/helpline-information-service/

Dionne will be available for support and information on 0300 0110 122 or by email at helpline@pspassociation.org.uk on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

About PSP

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD) are two rare neuro-degenerative diseases.

They are caused by the loss of neurons in certain parts of the brain. Over time, this leads to difficulties with balance, mobility, speech, vision, swallowing and cognition.

Both conditions are life limiting. There is no treatment and no cure.

Currently, around 60% of people living with either disease, are initially misdiagnosed with other conditions including Parkinson’s, stroke and depression.

PSPA is the only UK charity dedicated to creating a better future for every affected by PSP & CBD.

We will do this by:

• Providing information and support to enable families living with PSP & CBD to live their best possible lives

• Improving the quality of life for people living with the condition via research and awareness raising

• Putting the voice of the PSP & CBD community at the heart of what we do.

For more information please visit www.pspassociation.org.uk

---