'Onwards and Sideways'

'Tony Evans is deputy headteacher of a primary school. Emma Dretzin is a musician and composer, and a single mother of two daughters.

Neither knows the other, until a startling encounter changes the course of their lives. On the same morning, they are both confronted with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.

Onwards and Sideways is their story - a friendship which unfolds unexpectedly. A story of humour, courage, music, movement and the transformative power of human connection. Challenging assumptions, the film celebrates the capacity to find joy, freedom and hope, even in life's most difficult moments.'

https://www.onwardsandsideways.co.uk/movie/onwards-and-sideways/film-info#storyline

individual

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INTERPERSONAL : SCIENCES             

HUMANISTIC ------------------------------------------------ MECHANISTIC

SOCIOLOGY : POLITICAL   

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group

The impact of a diagnosis: 'Parkinson's disease'	ONWARDS  S                 S  I                  I  D                D E                 E W               W A                A  Y                 Y  S                 S ONWARDS
Care in the community connection	policy Care provision - choices

There is probably another post on W2tQ related to Parkinson's disease. As a community mental health nurse I had a gentleman and his wife (also his carer) for many years. The challenges were many: he experienced psychotic side-effects, was often aggressive, and had several admissions to the psychiatric ward. With a consultant psychiatric who was ahead of their time, we tried to avoid those admissions, rationalise the medication. When care at home became really fraught, a formal admission followed.

Co-working with a social worker was invaluable. We made the observation that it was like being at a tennis match. We shared that with the couple, in the summer naturally, in one of many lighter moments. I'm sure we made a positive difference: keeping Mr X at home, while supporting Mrs X rather than prolonging her stress and sense of helplessness. A care package was regularly reviewed. This was at a time when social service offices were oft situated in smaller towns too. Not a bus ride away. Mental health review involving the family were also essential. With Mrs X having the support of adult children, she had an additional voice.

Parity of esteem matters here too.  

My source: BBC Radio 4 Women's Hour, 12th November 2026.

Previously: 'film' : 'Parkinson's'