Yes, people with Parkinson's can do: ParKanDo group wins volunteering award

The group recently received the Grassroots Award at the 2023 VolunteerVictoria Awards.

When Peter Wall and his Carmel who has Parkinson's, moved from Brisbane to Western Melbourne to be closer to family, they were surprised at the lack of activity programs to help people with Parkinson's, in the area.

Together with Pam West, who is also living with Parkinson's, they formed a grassroots support group which now has more than 100 members.

The group meets monthly on a Wednesday morning at the Newport Community Hub where it alternates social coffee and chat mornings with informative speakers. It also organises activities such as Dance for Parkinson's, singing, balance and strength classes, Master Movers and boxing. There is also a young and early onset Parkinson's group. Some of the activities are held locally and some online.

Peter said the main focus of the group was peer support, providing an environment which was friendly and welcoming.

"People get a diagnosis and they think 'well what do I do now'? It's particularly confronting. But they can come along and have a chat and you find out so much more from people who are already living the experience."

Peter said carer's also benefited from having someone to chat to when they were finding times tough.

"For Parkinson's the biggest thing after medication is exercise but there can be very little information given after diagnosis," said Peter.

The group also holds an annual expo and activities fair and other social events throughout the year.

Membership of ParKanDo is free and open to people with Parkinson's, their carers, loved ones and those wishing to support ParKanDo's mission.

parkando.org.au