By Ewen McRae
The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group is thriving – and looking to spread the help.
Just a few years after the group’s re-launch, more than 30 locals living with Parkinson’s, or caring for someone with the condition, come together each month to offer support and learn more.
For organiser Helen Lyne, the group performs a vital role.
“We open our doors each month and invite anyone to come along and have a listen to our guest speakers,” Ms Lyne said.
“We have social nights, as well, where we can sit around and people can talk about their symptoms or issues they’re having.
“We have a full range of people in the group – from those recently diagnosed to some who are in wheelchairs and really struggling. Everyone is unique.
“We try and vary our speakers – from physios, to exercise physiologists and speech therapists – so it becomes a group education and help session. We have a lot of laughs along the way, too.”
As part of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, the group recently presented Parkinson’s Victoria with a cheque for $1000 to go towards research.
Ms Lyne said it was important that more people got to know what the group does and made use of its resources.
“We cover a huge area – from Melton to Sunbury, Bacchus Marsh and Caroline Springs – so we get people from all over,” Ms Lyne said.
“We team up with Djerriwarrh Health Services to help people out, but a lot of people don’t know we’re around. We love having new faces in the group.”
The group meets from 10.30am-12.30pm on the second Thursday of the month at Melton Health, 195 Barries Road, Melton.
