A s part of a program of and under auspices of Parkinson’s Victoria, Shepparton’s Parkinson’s Victoria Peer Support Group was established to accommodate the growing local population of persons affected by Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Open to anyone directly or indirectly impacted by PD, including long term sufferers and their carers, newly diagnosed sufferers, health professionals and other interested persons, the group meets monthly, providing a forum to learn more about PD, or just as a safe haven to socialise with fellow members. Members are under no pressure to contribute or attend and often find it a relaxing place to just be normal, the ‘new normal’, just like everyone else there.
The group has had a large impact on the way PD is managed in the Goulburn Valley, being the driving force behind the establishment of the Movement Disorder Clinic and appointment of a Movement Disorder Nurse at GV Health. With strong support from Parkinson’s Victoria, the group has facilitated presentations to local community service groups, such as Lions, Kiwanis, etc, through the Parkinson’s Victoria Ambassador Program, offering a link between Parkinson’s Victoria and the community. The link is vital for both formal and informal education on PD itself and more importantly, life with PD
The group has been actively involved in local fundraising with several thousands of dollars being raised for the benefit of the local and wider PD communities.
Meetings tend to be semi informal in nature and often involve a brief but informative presentation, with many ensuing questions asked and answered. Every 3 months a formal agenda is set and actioned, then the best part, afternoon tea, with biscuits, slices and cakes, prepared by the ever industrious members, most of whom continue to offer their fine crafts, jams and other wares for sale, month in, month out, without fail, on the trading table.
There is no judgement, with members tending to relax and be themselves and whilst the odd head or hand shake, stagger, dribble or wobble is seen, it is seldom noticed, best of all nobody is chastised for spilling their cuppa or dropping crumbs.
The sense of being diagnosed with PD can be overwhelming and your first time at a meeting may well be intimidating, but very quickly new members work out that rather than learning more about what PD is and how it will affect you, the more valuable thing to learn is how to live with PD and how much they are not alone. The group is not there to provide medical advice, but does provide ideas to consider, from persons who have walk the path before and sometimes it is something small that makes a difference.
It is up to the individual how often the wish to attend, what they choose to share and with whom, but without a doubt, groups such as Shepparton’s Parkinson’s Victoria Peer Support Group are vital in bridging the gap between the support available from the medical fraternity and that required by someone living with PD.