FRIDAY, 8 MARCH, 2019

Parkinson’s Buddy volunteers at Perth Health and Wellbeing Café

A new NHS Tayside initiative will see volunteer ‘buddies’ sharing their experience of Parkinson’s Disease with others at a health and wellbeing café in Perth.

Parkinson’s Buddies are NHS Tayside volunteers who are either people with Parkinson’s Disease or carers who can share practical advice, their experiences of living with Parkinson’s or just have a friendly chat.

The new project will see volunteers attending the Health and Wellbeing Café, which is run by Perth & Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership and is a weekly gathering where people with Parkinson’s, MS, dementia, brain injuries, or anyone who would like support, can meet in a safe and welcoming environment.

Parkinson’s Buddy volunteers will be at the Café on the third Wednesday of each month from 20 March.

NHS Tayside Parkinson’s nurse specialist Lorna Gillies said, “The Parkinson’s Buddy project was developed through collaborative working between NHS Tayside and Parkinson’s UK to provide another source of support for people living with Parkinson’s.”

Chloe MacMillan, Parkinson’s UK area development manager - Scotland Central & South, said,

“We know that some people, particularly those recently diagnosed, aren’t too keen on joining established support groups. The idea behind the Café is that it’s an informal social gathering in an attractive and accessible venue that’s open to anyone affected by Parkinson’s.  Many people have found that meeting up and sharing experiences this way really helps them to find a good way to live with Parkinson’s.”

The Café is open on Wednesday afternoons between 2pm and 4pm at the Salvation Army 3:16 Café in King Edward Street, Perth.

Contact:

Louise Wilson

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740718