Group members Bill Solly (left), Marris Lucas, Jill Long, Neil Long, Moira Lewis and Cheryl Anderson met to talk about their lives and experiences with Parkinson’s disease. Photo: Oliver Shedden
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
When dealing with a life-changing neurological condition, a large and passionate support network is essential.
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This is where the Echuca Moama District Parkinson’s Peer Support Group comes in.
Having more than 30 members, the group meets monthly at Echuca Neighbourhood House in Landsborough St to share their experiences and any issues they may face during their battle with Parkinson’s.
The group also conducts fundraisers to raise money and awareness for the not-for-profit Fight Parkinson’s, which assists people and families living with the disease throughout Victoria.
The group’s June meeting was all about ‘Getting to know each other better on a personal level,’ during which the members and their caregivers shared their stories and passions with the rest of the group.
Facilitator Alex Adkins, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2018, started the group along with a few others in August 2023 after moving to Echuca from Benalla.
Mr Adkins highlighted the importance of the group to its members to be able to talk and socialise with people with similar experiences.
He also wanted to inform the community of Echuca-Moama and surrounding areas that the group is always there to welcome new members with open arms.
“I think the support group is valuable because we are all in the same situation, and we can talk a lot more freely about our problems and your feelings, whereas in a public setting, not everyone wants to hear about it,” he said.
“I think we all get a lot out of the support group and being able to share this space with people going through similar experiences as I am.
“We just want to let people know that we are here and want as many people living with Parkinson’s as possible to come and be a part of our community.”
Margaret Dorman (left), Ray Lewis, Sue Solly, Kevin Banko, Mike Bruty and Rex Dorman shared some laughs while taking a stroll down memory lane. Photo: Aidan Briggs
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
Group member Ray Lewis, who is a carer for his wife Moira, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2016, spoke about their experiences with the disease and being a part of different groups in the past.
“My wife Moira has had Parkinson’s for eight years now. She has struggled with the tremor a lot but underwent deep brain stimulation therapy, and she’s as stable as anything now,” he said.
“We’ve been involved with Fight Parkinson’s Victoria for some time now, and this is the second group we have been a part of.
“The first group would only meet over the phone, whereas Alex has brought us together in person, which is good for us.
“The group is going well. At our first meeting, there were only three of us, and we have come leaps and bounds since then.”
Mr Lewis outlined the purpose of the group and the value of being able to discuss life with Parkinson’s with others.
He also emphasised that the group welcomes anyone struggling with any neurological disease to join, as it wishes to offer a positive service to all.
“It’s been a peer support group where the objective has been to share our resources and knowledge of the disease, which allows other people to see where they are travelling,” he said.
“We never give medical advice because that is not what we do. We just individually tell our own stories and if we can help anyone else with their Parkinson’s, that is really good.
“Our group doesn’t limit itself to Parkinson’s; if there are other people who need our support, we will find room for them.”
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