Millennials admit they often don’t stop to help people in need, finds poll

Parkinson's UK launches campaign to raise public awareness of 'freezing', when a sufferer cannot move

Muhammad Ali, who died in 2016, was a high-profile Parkinson's sufferer (Getty)

One in five millennials who have seen someone experiencing physical difficulties in public said they did not offer to help, a poll has found.

More than a quarter of those who did not try to help said they did not know what to do, while 16 per cent said they would have felt awkward doing so, according to the survey by Parkinson’s UK.

The findings have been revealed to mark the launch of the charity’s campaign about freezing, a little-known symptom of Parkinson’s disease that often strikes in crowded, public spaces.

Freezing is when a person is suddenly, unexpectedly, unable to move, their feet glued to the floor.

It can happen when something interrupts or gets in the way of a normal movement and can worsen if the person is feeling anxious or stressed.

As Parkinson’s progresses, most sufferers will develop freezing, but little is known about the causes of it.

The survey of more than 2,000 adults in the UK found 21 per cent of those aged 18 to 34 said they did not offer assistance when they saw someone having physical difficulties in public.

There was a noticeable gender divide, with 26 per cent of men in this age group not stopping to help and just 17 per cent of women.

Janet Roberts, 57, who once froze while getting off a crowded tube train in London, said: “I stepped on to the platform and stopped. I was completely stuck, my feet cemented in place.

“I was terrified, making the freezing worse, and no one responded to my pleas for help.

“Freezing seems to happen at the worst times: it’s rarely when you’re safely seated on the sofa.

“I’ve heard of people freezing in the middle of a zebra crossing, or at the top of a staircase, off-balance.”

Eventually, a boy noticed Ms Roberts was in trouble and told his parents to help her.

“If it hadn’t been for him, I don’t know what would have become of me,” she added.

“If you see someone acting strangely, don’t assume they’re being difficult – they might need your help.

“For people experiencing freezing, sometimes just a reassuring word is enough to distract our brains so we can get moving again, or a helpful hand can get us out of a dangerous situation.”

Steve Ford, chief executive of Parkinson’s UK, said: “Many people with Parkinson’s tell us that freezing is one of the main symptoms that prevents them from living their daily lives.

“Some are physically unable to go to work on any given day, or socialise or do the shopping, while others might avoid these activities for fear that freezing may happen while they’re out.

“Parkinson’s UK is carrying out pioneering research to address this and other symptoms, but you can help too: if you see someone who is struggling, don’t jump to exasperation, see if they need help.

“You could be a lifeline to someone in serious distress.”