Western suburbs Parkinson’s disease support group ParKanDo is gearing up for a new year of providing support to those with Parkinson’s or other neurological diseases, as well as their carers.
ParKanDo is hosting an information day and carers’ group launch event at the Newport Community Hub on Saturday, February 25 from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
ParKanDo leadership team member Pam West said the information day will include a question and answer session with a diverse range of experts.
“We seek to survey our members to see what they would like us to do,” she said.
Guest speakers will include Fight Parkinson’s chief executive Emma Colin, local advocate Carmel Wall, psychologist and clinical neuropsychologist Dr Kirrily Rogers, a representative from Carers Victoria’s community development team and carers’ group co-leader Laura Power-Davies.
The event will also include information booths and a free morning tea to allow attendees to chat about their needs and struggles.
Ms West co-founded the organisation in 2020, which was initially aimed at Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Brimbank residents but has since reached out to participants in Canberra and Queensland through Zoom during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is estimated that 27,000 Victorians are living with Parkinson’s disease, with 18 per cent of people diagnosed while aged under 65.
There is no known cause or cure for the illness, with symptoms ranging from stiffened muscles, slowed movement, tremors, pain, depression, speech changes and loss of facial expression abilities.
Ms West said ParKanDo’s services range from dance classes and strength and balance support sessions and a Young and Early Onset (YEO) group.
“Parkinson’s is quite a lonely condition,” she said.
With close to 80 members, the group is continuing to grow throughout its in-person and online program participants.
Details: parkando.org.au
Matthew Sims
