Andy Munns
The Salisbury Branch of Parkinson’s UK is running an awareness day and will be in Salisbury’s Market Place to provide advice and support.
The awareness event takes place on Saturday, 22nd April, in Salisbury’s Market Place. They will be there from 9 am until mid-afternoon for anyone wanting to learn more about Parkinson’s and the local branch.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition. This means that it causes brain problems and worsens over time.
There are many potential signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s, and each person can experience them differently.
Around 145,000 people are living with Parkinson’s in the UK. It can feel overwhelming if you don’t have the correct information and support. The group exists as a support to those with Parkinson’s and those who care for them.
A range of members from the group will be on hand on the day to offer advice and an informal chat about Parkinson’s, some of the common symptoms and the support available for people who have been diagnosed.
The Salisbury group runs several events, from Parkies in the Pub to regular meetings at the Milford Hall Hotel and Salisbury Quaker Meeting House:
- Salisbury Group Meeting – Salisbury Quaker Meeting House – 3rd Tuesday every month (2 pm until 4 pm)
- Salisbury Parkies Coffee Morning – Milford Hall Hotel – 1st Wednesday of every month (10:30 am until 12:00 midday)
- Salisbury Carers Coffee Morning – Milford Hall Hotel – 1st Wednesday of every month (10:30 am until 12:00 midday)
They also participate in activities to help with symptoms, like tennis, short mat bowling and dancing.
They organise days out, luncheons, and speakers at events and can signpost to support that is available.
Carl and Ian are two members behind the awareness event; they told Salisbury Radio that it’s vital that people help support each other.
The pair were neighbours and became much closer after being diagnosed over ten years ago.
Carl said: “Men especially are bad at getting help and support or talking about their problems.
There are lots of men in our group. It helps break down some of those barriers. Sometimes we just sit, talk and have a drink and that can be a great help.”
If you’d like more information about Parkinson’s or the local branch, head on down to the Market Place on Saturday, 22nd April, or you can contact Ian via email – info.parkinsons.salisbury@gmail.com or find more information on the Parkinson’s UK website.
The group area also organing an evening with Paul Mayhew-Archer, a comedian and writer who has worked on The Vicar of Dibley with Richard Curtis and other comedy series, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Grownups and Miranda.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011, Mayhew-Archer brings his show Incurable Optimist to Salisbury’s Guildhall to raise money for the Salisbury Branch of Parkinson’s UK.
He will be supported by The Navy Larks, who have three members who belong to the Salisbury Branch of Parkinson’s UK.
Tickets are available here – https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/parkinsons-uk-salisbury-and-district-branch
