A support group for young people living with Parkinson’s in the Coffs Harbour area has been formed. The small yet dedicated group of volunteers who established the group recognised that there was a need to create a better support network for people in the region who have recently been diagnosed a relatively young age.
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Local Parkinson’s nurse Vince Carroll said that while there are Parkinson’s support groups along the North Coast, this group is specifically designed to support younger people who live with Parkinson’s.
“People often think that Parkinson’s is a health issue only for older people, but that’s not the case,” Mr Carroll said.
“Twenty per cent of people diagnosed are of working age and they have different support needs than those people who are older.”
The volunteers who have set up the new support group are Paul Grant, Kathy Moffatt and Tim Winders.
“The committee is keen to develop educational awareness & activities that suit younger locals with Parkinson’s,” Mr Grant said.
“We have some ideas and we are keen to reach out to any local residents with Parkinson’s, particularly people who have been recently diagnosed to join us.”
Parkinson’s NSW Support Group Co-Ordinator Melanie Browning said that the organisation was very supportive of the new group.
“For people living with Parkinson’s, getting together and talking with people that are going through similar challenges can be very beneficial – it can help people have a sense of community and may reduce feelings of isolation,” Melanie said.
The next meeting of the group is on Wednesday, April 12.
People interested in joining can contact Paul Grant on 0401853476 or Vince Carroll on 66592333.
