Connect with the Blacktown Support Group
Sydney's Blacktown Support Group, established in August 2021, has successfully fostered a close-knit community for individuals living with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers despite the challenges of COVID-19.
"Although the timing was less than ideal due to the ongoing restrictions, we managed to persevere and created a thriving community through a mix of face-to-face meetings and our informative Facebook page," shared joint leader Claire Rich, who oversees the Group with her husband Ian, a Parkinson's patient.
Meetings for the Blacktown Support Group take place monthly at the Blacktown RSL, which generously provides a meeting room at no cost. The group currently attracts around ten regular attendees, with most being in the early stages of their Parkinson's journey as they search for answers and support.
Caregivers are an integral part of the group, not only attending regular meetings but also taking time for personal exercise and social activities together. The group has yet to fully establish itself within the local community, but hopes are high following a promising meeting with a City Council representative and the ongoing support of Mobi Healthcare.
The Blacktown Support Group aims to increase participant engagement and encourages members to actively share their experiences during meetings. Although there are many individuals wishing to learn, the Group seeks to foster a more dedicated, participatory community going forward.
Active involvement in Parkinson's support groups provides numerous benefits for both patients and caregivers. These include emotional support, access to helpful information, opportunities for goal setting and skill development, enhanced well-being through exercise and rehabilitation, shared learning, access to training and counseling, and the formation of support networks. Ultimately, these advantages contribute to an improved quality of life for both individuals and caregivers, while fostering awareness and advocacy within the community.
The Blacktown Support Group, in conjunction with platforms like Facebook, has fostered a supportive community for Parkinson's patients and caregivers, offering emotional support, access to helpful information, and opportunities for exercise and rehabilitation. With their focus on increased engagement, they aim to build a more participatory community that eventually integrates better into the local health-and-wellness, mental-health, and science-oriented networks, ultimately contributing to improved quality of life for all involved.
