Founded in 1985, the Catalan Parkinson’s Association (ACAP) was Spain’s first association for people with Parkinson’s and their families. It began when neurologist Dr. Tolsoa suggested two patients create a meeting point for the Parkinson’s community.
From its early days holding support meetings and conferences, the organisation has grown to organise activities such as physiotherapy, speech therapy and psychology. It is now preparing to celebrate its 40th year of improving the lives of people with Parkinson’s.
Laura Morer Benages, Director General of the Catalan Parkinson’s Association, tells Parkinson’s Europe how the organisation is keen to collaborate with others.
What does ACAP offer, and how has it evolved over the years?
“The main purpose of the organisation is to improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s and their families. We do this through activities and services aimed at improving everyday life, as well as raising awareness and exerting political pressure to highlight the unmet needs of the Parkinson’s community.
“Over the years there have been changes of headquarters, larger each time as our membership grew. ACAP has added therapies and services, and recreational and social activities.
“Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, professionals, affected people and caregivers, the association has been growing in activities that help improve the quality of life of families living with Parkinson’s.
“ACAP currently has its own dedicated space where therapies and activities are carried out for people with Parkinson’s and caregivers. Our central office is in Barcelona, and we have branches across Catalonia. We offer services at the centre, people’s homes and remotely.
“The association was awarded public utility status by the Government of Spain’s Ministry of the Interior in 1999.”
How does the organisation work to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s?
“The association is made up of members, plus a board of directors, who are elected every four years. The board is made up of people with Parkinson’s and their families, and they serve on a voluntary basis. We also work with the network of Parkinson’s specialist professionals who provide direct care, and management professionals.
“We provide therapeutic services and activities at the central office in Barcelona. There are also professionals who provide support to the different branches: administration, social care, communication, projects and management. As in Barcelona, the branches have specialist professionals who provide direct care: physiotherapists, speech therapists, psychologists, music therapists, art therapists and other therapeutic options.
“We work collaboratively with other non-profit organisations who share our objectives, the public sector and also private companies.”
What has been the highlight of 2024 for the Catalan Parkinson’s Association so far?
“This year, 2024, has been a very special year. After Barcelona hosted the World Parkinson’s Congress in 2023, we’ve taken advantage of new alliances. This has helped us to start new projects and increase the number of activities offered to people with Parkinson’s and their families. We continue to promote the Parkinson’s Ready program for new groups, and are preparing the 40th anniversary of our association next year.”
What are the Catalan Parkinson’s Association’s plans for 2025?
“We want to celebrate the association’s 40th anniversary with a day focused on Parkinson’s, with specialists from all over the country.
“We are also planning a big party that will be not only a fun meeting point for the members but also a festive way to raise awareness and funds for our projects.”
Why did you decide to join Parkinson’s Europe?
“One of our aims is to collaborate with all those organisations with which we can collaborate for a common goal, or learn and share knowledge. All this has led us to want to be part of Parkinson’s Europe. We are very grateful to be part of this great family that works for people with Parkinson’s and their families.”
What would you most like PE members to know about the Catalan Parkinson’s Association?
“For almost 40 years, our work has focused on improving the lives of people with Parkinson’s through therapies and activities. We want to grow and go further by innovating and being sustainable. We are learning from the experience and projects of other organisations, and raising the voice of the rights of people with Parkinson’s.”
