Membership benefits

The EPDA is the only European umbrella organisation for Parkinson’s disease.  A non-political, non-religious, and non-profit making organisation, it represents 45 member organisations and is the advocate for the rights and needs of over 1.2 million^* people with Parkinson’s and their families. EPDA’s vision is to enable a full life with Parkinson’s whilst supporting the search for a cure and seeks to achieve this by raising awareness and reducing inequalities in the treatment and management of Parkinson’s disease across Europe.

The EPDA depends on sponsorship, donations and contributions so that it can continue to develop its work programme and fulfil its strategic direction.

Click here to find out how to donate.

* P. Andlin-Sobocki et al, European Journal of Neurology 12 (Suppl 1) June 2005

Benefits

The EPDA membership fee is a contribution and enables the organisation to continue providing a range of resources aimed at people with Parkinson's, their families and carers, and healthcare professionals. These include:

Use of the EPDA Logo

• Each member organisation can use a specially designed logo (which is free of charge) incorporating the words 'Member Organisation' that can be easily downloaded.
  [Click here to download]

• This logo can be added to the member organisations websites, publications etc., to highlight that they are a member of the EPDA, the only European umbrella organisation for Parkinson’s disease.

PLEASE NOTE

• Should a member organisation wish to use this specially designed logo on project documentation, press releases, etc., please email the Secretary-General, attaching the documents to be used, and identifying where the logo is to be placed, so that approval can be given.

Products & Resources

• Coping Strategies DVD and website

• Life with Parkinson’s awareness campaign materials and website - www.parkinsonsawareness.eu.com

• PD Doc - an online resource that states “I have Parkinson's disease. Please allow me time. In case of an emergency, contact ...” It is available on the EPDA website in 25 languages and can also be customised to include EPDA member organisation header for inclusion on member websites 

• Parkinson's Passport - Designed so that people can complete information about their Parkinson's medication and treatment. This can be carried with them when out and about or travelling abroad. This document will help with communicating effectively so that correct and proper treatment can be provided
  

• Patient Guide to Living with PD and to healthy eating - dedicated website www.epda.eu.com/patientGuide

• Tulip Pins - Member organisations may receive up to 100 tulip pins per year free of charge
  

• Websites: www.epda.eu.com, www.rewritetomorrow.eu.com, Medical and Surgical information

  These sites are continually updated with information, validated by the 'experts' i.e. healthcare professionals, PWP and carers

• Regular information on European activities that may benefit the organisations and their members.
  

EPDA Publications

• EPDA Plus - the flagship of the EPDA that provides “added value” and much needed information about what is happening in the world of Parkinson’s:

  • 3 issues per year are published – 28 – 32 pages each edition

  • Circulation dates are early May, early September and early January

  • Each issue is available in 5 languages English, French, German, Italian and Spanish (via the website http://www.epda.eu.com/epda-publications/epda-plus/download/ )

  • Translated versions can be added to patient organisations own websites

  • Circulation – via post around the world – 2,500 each edition

  • Circulated at all major international congresses annually such as MDS, EFNS, WFN etc. (2,500 per year)

  • Readership: neurologists and physicians, health care professionals including physiotherapists, nurses, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists, and Parkinson’s patient organisations

• EPDA EXTRA – an annual supplement focusing on a specific topic relevant to EPDA and its membership. In 2009 this publication highlighted the need for the EPDA ‘Move for Change’ campaign that involves all the members

• Annual Report – contains an update on the EPDA’s strategic direction, work programme, projects, networking, European developments, publications, Business Plan and Financial Report

• Toolkits – These documents have been developed for the EPDA member organisations to provide clear advice and guidance when working in the following areas:

  • Fundraising toolkit

  • Media toolkit

  • Treatment industry toolkit 

Members additionally have access to:

• Attendance of each member organisation’s Official Delegate (able to vote) at the annual General Assembly meeting. This includes one or two nights’ accommodation, all meals, social events and delegate papers

• The opportunity for each organisation, their membership and Medical Advisory Board representatives to participate in quality of life research projects and to benefit from the results such as:
  
  o    Participation in Life Survey
  o    Global Parkinson’s Disease Survey
  o    European Young People with Parkinson's Survey
  o    Occupational Therapy survey
  o    Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialist survey
  o    Real Life, Real PD Survey
  o    Move for Change on-line surveys (parts 1, 2 and 3)