“It lifts everybody. It really shows what can happen when you bring together people who are living with Parkinson’s Disease,” according to Gary Boyle, Patient Advocate, commenting on an event held recently in HSE Primary Care Services, Bray, Co Wicklow, to mark World Parkinson’s Day. Gary continued:

“For people living with Parkinson’s, it does something more. It gives them that confidence that the more I do this, the better it will become. And that might sound strange with a deteriorating condition such as Parkinson’s, but it really can. You can slow it down. And with a little support, you can slow it down even more.”

The event, a collaboration between local HSE clinical services and community partners, allowed patients and carers the opportunity to speak directly to local services to find out what support is available and how to access it.

One of the highlights of the evening was a performance by the Wicklow Parkinson's Choir. Dara MacMahon, Musical Director, explained that “getting a diagnosis of Parkinson’s is absolutely devastating. So when people come to our group, they are so delighted to find a community where they can connect with other people who are having the same experiences as themselves and can support one another. It’s a very close-knit group.”

Valerie McCoy, Parkinson’s Choir member, outlines how she “loves” attending: “I wouldn’t miss it. It’s every Monday morning and I value that time. I live on my own and I’ve Parkinson’s. I live out in the country, so I’m really cut off from civilisation and from social life. So for me, it’s absolutely vital. And, of course, sharing Parkinson’s is great because the carers, husbands and wives can share helpful hints. There are things about taking your medication at certain times of the day that are vital that I never knew about, but I learned about from there. So, you know, we share ideas and we help each other.”

For anyone looking for further information about local services, they can contact their local HSE Primary Care Services.

Watch the Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Event in Bray on YouTube.com