Support group backed by Men's Shed

The support group has only been in existence a matter of weeks after a need was seen in the community for such support. 

Support group member Helen Eccleston, who is afflicted with the condition herself, thanked the Men’s Shed for their generosity saying it will come in handy for stationary and administrative costs. 

Mrs Eccleston said there were 18 people at the first meeting of the group showcasing the need for such a group.

The group is open to people of all ages, male or female, who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s or care for someone who has. 

They meet on the third Wednesday of each month between 2pm and 3pm at the Cootamundra Library with an emphasis on providing useful information as well as companionship.

Last month the group had a guest speaker from Murrumbidgee Local Heath District while next month they are planning to hear from a local pharmacist. 

Mrs Eccleston said she appreciates the social side of the group as well as the valuable insight provided by experts in the field. 

“When I was diagnosed I put it to one side; I was to busy to worry about having Parkinson’s but now I see the importance of being informed and having the support of others,” Mrs Eccleston said. 

Men’s Shed president John Ashcroft was pleased to be able to support the new group.

Funds are raised by the shed through the various restoration jobs they perform for community members and they endeavour to give back wherever possible. 

Recently the shed funded the deposit for two members of Scouts to attend a jamboree.

They have given money to Cystic Fibrosis and the Wallendbeen Hay Runners and also fund the materials used at the outreach Men’s Shed located in Cootamundra’s Southern Cross Retirement Village. 

“When we heard about the numbers attending this group and that they were funding materials out of their own pockets we saw an opportunity to help,” Mr Ashcroft said.