Receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson’s is a huge shock. The first neurologist’s appointment can feel like a blur, there’s just so much to process. This is when many people turn to our Information Line (InfoLine) for help. 

That conversation can be one of the most important they will ever have. 

Our InfoLine Officers, Mel and Margaret are trained to help people find solutions to manage their Parkinson’s, including connecting them to other services, like Support Groups, allied health professionals, or counselling.

They will talk to thousands of people over the course of the year. Many of the callers have been newly diagnosed. Every single one of them is looking for support – support which is incredibly hard to get anywhere else. 

Gathering the right information is a skilled task. Some people need lots of help to come out of their shell and talk confidentially about their problems. Others are desperate to offload because of their anxiety and really need someone to just listen. 

Mel and Margaret are there for every caller, whatever they need.  

This kind of service is absolutely essential for a condition like Parkinson’s. As one of the fastest growing conditions in Australia, it has a bewildering number of symptoms that change over time. Most people will live with Parkinson’s for many, many years, which puts a huge burden on our already overstretched health services. 

Yet the government provides just three percent of our funding. It’s not nearly enough. 

A conversation with Margaret or Mel can also be life-changing for carers or family members struggling to make sense of what’s happening to someone they love. 

“People are so very grateful that our service is here for them. You really do feel like you’ve helped – that’s truly rewarding.” – Mel  

Mel and Margaret take the time to listen, really listen. For many people with Parkinson’s, it’s often the one thing most other health professionals they will encounter just can’t give. 

“Whilst a Parkinson’s diagnosis can be overwhelming at any age, Young onset Parkinson’s for people in their late 30s or 40s has its own challenges. People are still of working age, they may be juggling a young family, caring for older family members and worries about future finances all play a part. It’s great they can reach out to us for advice and support, so we can connect them to services that our organisation provides, such as counselling, peer support groups and NDIS advocacy and to link them to external allied health. Having somewhere to turn, after they walk out the door of a neurologist’s office can be comforting and less isolating” – Margaret 

Our InfoLine staff provide essential information and supports including: 

• Newly-diagnosed support 
• Managing medication regimens and potential side effects 
• Connection to Support Groups in the caller’s local area
• Referrals to Parkinson’s Specialist Counsellors
• Support to apply for an NDIS package

Can you support us to keep people like Margaret and Mel on the line to make sure that when people need help, they are there to take the call?