THE BATH and District branch of Parkinson’s UK have issued an urgent appeal for a new volunteer chair.

The branch, which supports local people living with Parkinson’s and their families, is looking for a new chair to take over from the current chair who is stepping down.

The role is key to ensuring the running of their monthly social meetings and coffee mornings across the local district.

It is supported by Parkinson’s UK staff and an existing team of enthusiastic volunteers from the Bath and District branch.

The role involves chairing committee meetings, supporting the planning of its monthly social meetings, leading fundraising, and supporting the district's coffee mornings.

The branch chair would be expected to provide leadership to the group, helping the committee work together to carry out its work effectively.

Parkinson’s UK’s Bath and District branch meets on the third Saturday of each month at Weston Free Church, Bath, between 10.30am and noon.

Claire Denby, local volunteer officer at Parkinson’s UK, said: “The Bath and District branch is a lifeline for people in the local area who are living with Parkinson’s, but we rely on volunteers to help us keep these groups running. Without the support from people like you, these groups could be forced to close.

“As well as making a big difference to people living with Parkinson’s in your local community, volunteering is a great opportunity to try something new, have new experiences, and meet new people.”

Parkinson's is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time and has more than 40 symptoms, which includes tremors, pain and anxiety. There is currently no cure for the disease. It’s the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, affecting 166,000 people across the UK.