Support Group Roundup

By Stacey Foster, Support Group Coordinator

Photo above: Smiles all round when Kempsey Support Group welcomed a visit from Mirelle Brockett from Parkinson’s NSW on 7.11.24 .

In my final Support Group roundup for the year, I’d like to start by saying thank you to everyone who has welcomed us to your Support Group this year. We really enjoy going out into community and meeting you all, hearing your stories, and witnessing how you all support one another.

Since the last edition of InTouch, Parkinson’s NSW Board Chair, Rachel Tanny visited Eastern Suburbs Young Onset Support Group for a meet and greet. There are also plans for Rachel to guest speak at one of their meetings early next year.

In early November, John Back and I visited Bega Valley Support Group. We were sorry to miss leader, Jody Collins, but thank group Secretary, Keith Pitchford, and all of the participants for your warm welcome and interest in Parkinson’s NSW. We look forward to working with you to boost awareness of Parkinson’s and the Support Group in the Bega Valley region in 2025.

Mirelle Brockett, Digital and Marketing Manager, visited the mid-north coast Support Groups also in November, covering Kempsey, Grafton, Coffs Harbour North and Nambucca Valley!

Word from Mirelle is that Kempsey Support Group leader, the always energetic Garth Fatnowna, led the group in song to open the meeting – a fabulous activity to keep those voices strong. Thank you, Garth, for your dedication and commitment to the participants of the Support Group and the wider Parkinson’s community.

Next up was Grafton Support Group, led by Terry Shinn, supported by his wife Evelyn Shinn and Catherine Eggins. The Support Group meet for brunch and enjoy the socialisation and friendship, interspersed with discussing the latest InTouch and  Research Round Up.

A big thank you to Terry and Evelyn’s daughter who held a Parkinson’s Tea Party and raised almost $600. Despite the challenges that come with running a support group, Terry has encouraged a friendly atmosphere for people to gather, and we look forward to working with the group next year to further boost awareness of Parkinson’s and the Support Group in the local area.

Coffs Harbour North, well led by Graham Saxby, welcomed Mirelle next. Mirelle was left very impressed by the meeting venue and all the excellent facilities available.

Whilst there, Mirelle, Graham and a few of the participants visited Bailey Centre Liberty Service Station and PK Express Transport to thank them in person for their wonderful fundraising efforts in their ongoing support of Parkinson’s NSW and our Specialist Nurse, Vince Carroll.

A huge thanks to Graham for his commitment to the local Parkinson’s community, stretching himself across a few support groups and generously sharing his knowledge about leading a group and the pitfalls to avoid to newly established groups.

Lastly (but definitely not least!), Mirelle visited Nambucca Valley Support Group, which has been led for many years by Jenny Zirkler. She has excellent support from the group participants as well as Parkinson’s nurse, Vince Carroll. My sincere thanks to Jenny for her long-term dedication and commitment.

In November, I had the pleasure of visiting Nepean Blue Mountains Support Group to share information on Parkinson’s NSW and spend some time with the group. Vivienne Ross is the long-time leader of the group, and in a year which has had many challenges and setbacks, Vivienne has shown great resilience and courage to keep going. Participants of the support group have stepped up to support Vivienne, a testament to the strong bonds, support and commitment from everyone.

December is upon us and that means Christmas parties! We look forward to joining Southern Highlands, Eastern Suburbs, Blacktown, Central Coast and Nepean Blue Mountains at their festivities in the coming weeks.

Wishing you all a very merry and safe Christmas and a Happy New Year!