Bega Valley Parkinson's Support Group
The Bega Valley Parkinson's Support Group consists of people living with Parkinson's Disease, their Carers, family and friends. It is a nonprofit group run by volunteers and is part of the Parkinson's NSW Organisation. The Support Group offers peer support, shared advice based on personal experience, information and resources provided by Parkinson's NSW, and information from other Parkinson's Organisations such as Parkinson's Australia, The Parkinson's Foundation, Michael J. Fox Institute, Shake It Up Foundation (Australia), Walter Eliza Institute and various Australian and overseas Universities and Research groups.
A Parkinson's Support Group is a gathering of people who share similar experiences, situations or issues related to living with Parkinsons Disease or caring for someone who does.
One of Parkinsons NSWs most valuable and popular services is the development and coordination of a network of Parkinsons Support Groups throughout metropolitan and regional NSW.
Parkinsons Support Group participants can offer each other emotional and practical support. Getting together with other people who are facing similar challenges allows everyone to share feelings, resources, and experiences.
As well as providing benefits from the exchange of practical information, Support Groups also provide motivation and inspiration to help you deal positively with the ongoing changes to their lifestyle. They also give individuals a chance to meet new people, which helps to break down the feelings of isolation often associated with Parkinsons.
Support Group Meetings range from open discussions to educational sessions by guest speakers, social outings or just sharing a cuppa. The Bega Valley Parkinson’s Support Group meets monthly, on the first Monday of each calendar month. Meetings are held in the CWA Rooms, 31 Church St., Bega and run for approximately 1 and a half hours. After the meeting, those that are able to, adjourn to one of the nearby restaurant venues for lunch and continue social discussions and friendship in a relaxed atmosphere.