I don't have Parkinson's - can I still get involved?

Yes! We want everyone with a connection to Parkinson's to share their experiences in a poem. This includes family members, friends, and carers of people with the condition, health professionals working with Parkinson's, exercise instructors, volunteers, Parkinson's UK staff, and anyone else connected with Parkinson's in any way.

Have you ever thought that you would like to help out or share your experience? Now's your chance, but maybe not in the way you expected!

Your poems will help raise vital public awareness of Parkinson's and its impacts.

I've never written a limerick before - does that matter?

No, absolutely not. Novice or experienced - all are welcome to participate.

Why not visit our Get started page for tips and ideas to get you going.

What is the purpose of Poems for World Parkinson's Day?

If you would like to help us tell the world what your Parkinson's is like - now's your chance! Poems are a great way to capture people's attention and say something important in a fun and impactful way. By gathering poems from a wide range of people affected by Parkinson's, the variation in the condition will be demonstrated and shared with the general public. This is your chance to share your experience to raise awareness for everyone!

How will my poem be used?

You poem may be shared online, in printed materials and press releases, and at a special event. It will help raise awareness of the realities of Parkinson's, the positive and the negative, amongst the general public.

I've finished my poem. How do I submit it?

Submissions for Poems for World Parkinson's Day have now closed. However, you are still welcome to share your poem with others on the Talk About Parkinson's Poetry Thread of the Parkinson's UK forum.

Why am I limited to two poems?

We're expecting lots of people to write poems for World Parkinson's Day. To keep submissions manageable and enable us to share as many as possible, we are limiting each person to just two poems. However, you are welcome to write more if you feel inspired, and pick your favourite two to submit. Why not share any others on social media using the hashtag #PoemsforParkinsons?

Do I have to write two poems?

No. You're very welcome to send us just one poem.

Why does my poem have to be five lines long?

Having a consistent poem length of five lines will help us have impact, and reach as many people as possible. Long poems are fantastic but they are more difficult to share in media like press releases and Twitter. They also take longer to read, which means fewer people in the general public are likely to engage with them.

Can I write about something other than Parkinson's?

For Poems for World Parkinson's Day we ask that your poem is about Parkinson's, or an element of how Parkinson's impacts your life or work. This is so that we can raise as much awareness as possible about the condition.