Parkinson’s UK’s Ballymena and District branch is there for everyone affected by Parkinson’s
The Parkinson’s UK branch in the Ballymena district is encouraging everyone affected by Parkinson’s locally to become a member of its support group.
The group arranges a monthly meeting for people with Parkinson’s as well as their friends, family and carers, providing information, advice, support and friendship.
The group has been running for nearly 20 years and many people from the local community living with Parkinson’s regularly attend.
Last month, they celebrated World Parkinson's Day in style with a wonderful Movement to Music session, facilitated by Charmaine McMeekin. These sessions help with balance, flexibility and energy as well as helping lower levels of stress and anxiety. Everyone was able to go at their own pace and hugely enjoyed the upbeat music and gentle rhythmic movements.
These types of sessions are provided regularly through the year, along with the monthly meetings where they organise speakers and activities. There’s also table tennis every Monday at their Bat ‘n’ Chat sessions as well as opportunities for socialising at their Christmas lunch and summer outing.
The local Ballymena Branch support group meetings are held at Ballymena North Business Centre, Cushendall Road on the third Friday of the month from 3-4.30pm.
The group is there for everyone affected by Parkinson’s, whether directly or through supporting a loved one, with a focus on creating an inclusive and supportive environment. Anyone who wants to attend can bring a friend or family member and will receive a warm welcome from the group volunteers led by chairman Jimmy McClean.
If you would like any further information about the group and the support they offer you can contact Jimmy for more information. Email: [email protected] or phone 028 2564 8398 / 07826 336698.
Morag Chambers Local Volunteer Officer at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s can be a shock and adapting to life with the condition can be hard for the person involved and their loved ones too. But we know that getting the right information and support at the right time can make all the difference.
“That’s why our local groups and networks have an important part to play for people in the region. It is vital that we can support everyone affected by Parkinson’s, so that together, we can move towards everyone with the condition feeling empowered to take back control of their life with Parkinson’s.”
Parkinson's is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is no cure. Someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the UK every 20 minutes and by 2050, the number of people living with the condition worldwide will double to 25 million.
Parkinson’s UK is the leading European funder of Parkinson’s research and here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way. For information and support, visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.
Visit parkinsons.org.uk for more information about Parkinson’s UK and its support groups.