Parkinson’s Guernsey ‘has plenty to offer’

The event followed World Parkinson’s Disease Day last week.

Its aim was to raise awareness, provide information and support, reassure those diagnosed, and to highlight the charity’s work.

Patron Louise Cripwell was shown around the stalls and met medical professionals.

‘I’ve been going around the stands and talking to people, who have also made connections with other individuals and organisations which can help,’ she said.

It is believed that low levels of the dopamine hormone can be responsible for the onset of Parkinson’s, but this can be mitigated by participating in sports. Each week the charity holds a variety of events for people to take part in.

Manager Melanie Hardouin said that the charity had about 60 members, but it was aware that nearly 200 people lived with Parkinson’s in Guernsey.

‘Often, they need time to come to terms with this diagnosis, but they know that we are here and we have plenty to offer them,’ she said.

‘On Mondays we have socials here at the KGV, on Tuesdays we have pickleball and padel tennis at the Tennis Centre, on Wednesdays we have our walking football, on Thursdays we have exercise classes, and on Fridays we have padel tennis.

‘Once a month we have a walk-in clinic for any questions and we can make referrals, and we also have a talk from somebody like a physio or a dietician or a speech and language therapist.’

The charity also staged social events around Christmas with a lunch and a light exhibition viewing.

Chairman Peter Neville said he wanted to emphasise what the charity can offer.

‘We’ve increased the activities and support services that we offer, and we want to get the message out and increase our numbers as much as we can, so that people can benefit from our support.’

• For more information on Parkinson’s Guernsey, visit parkinsons.org.gg.