Finding out about us and other resources
“Sometimes it requires an event to rebirth and find our true selves” Anon.
Many who find their way to this page are living with Parkinson’s Disease or are caring for someone who is. If you are one of these people, a huge welcome. If you are newly diagnosed or have been diagnosed for some time , whether you are young or old, we are guessing you are on a journey of discovery and may have unanswered questions.
You may simply need some support or may have something you need to sort through, something you are uncertain about. Today we would like to give a very brief overview of some places and websites that may assist.
Parkinson’s NSW is a wonderful, not for profit organisation. It is a great source of information, direction and support for people living with PD and their carers. They have trained counsellors and nurses who can give confidential phone advice. They have a full list of all support groups in NSW. They give great detail about the illness and the treatments used. They can be contacted with advice on things as varied as the NDIS or Aged Care to exercise and living well with Parkinson’s.They send up-to-date information in the form of their regular “In Touch” Newsletter .
This is at no cost to those with Parkinson’s.
Meetings
Lismore Regional Parkinson’s Support Group is our local support group. Newcomers are always welcome. Our group has regular meetings each third Friday of the month with guest speakers.
There is always an opportunity to share symptoms and discuss strategies to deal with them in a supportive, non-judgemental, confidential environment and inevitably friendships form. We have built an excellent library of books selected and donated by the members themselves .
For more information;
Contact Di Lymbury 0423941119.
Online Support Groups
Another excellent and safe website is the Australia and New Zealand Parkinson’s Support and Chat Facebook Page. This is a private group that is closely monitored and where people living with Parkinson’s and their carers are able to discuss a great variety of related issues. The tone is very positive and supportive and sales pitches are deleted as are posts on unproven therapies.
Our Lismore Parkinson’s support group co-convenor, John Waters, is an admin on this site and I am one of the moderators. I write weekly inspirational posts for it.
Australia and New Zealand Support Group
Those who care for people living with PD are an extra special group. The Australia and New Zealand Parkinson’s Group for Carers is a safe group that has been set up especially for Carers of people with Parkinson’s Disease., for the Children, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, for the friends and anyone else who lives with or cares for a person with Parkinson’s Disease. This is also a private group.
Aust and NZ Parkinsons Carers Group
Another closed and safe group is for Aussie wives or partners to men with Parkinson's Disease. It is called the “Aussie Partners of Our Man with Parkinson.”
Other Resources
Two very valuable research sites are The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and the Shake it Up Australia Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
These give excellent information about research;
results for the latest therapies, opportunities to be involved in research and they aim to raise funds for their vital research. They also provide excellent information about Parkinson’s Disease. Of course, the amazing Michael J Fox founded the MJ Fox Foundation and Lismore’s very own Clyde Campbell is the founder and CEO of Shake it Up Australia.
We hope to arm you with a range of information so that you can, as Michael J Fox says, "Look at the choices you have, not the choices that have been taken away from you. In them, there are whole worlds of strength and new ways to look at things”. Our very best wishes as you move forward.
