Interaction Event - Bathurst Alliance Group
Bathurst's Got Backbone: The Unyielding Parkinson's Support Group
The gist of Bathurst's Parkinson's Support Group is nothing short of resilience personified. Known for being a social and informal gathering, it's been riding the waves of community care for over two decades now, initially stirred by Bathurst's Aged Care team.
Nestled in a picturesque region dotted with over 36,800 inhabitants on the Central Tablelands, 200 kilometers west of Sydney, this band of faithful supporters has stood the test of time. Today, the group is skillfully steered by physiotherapist, Jennifer Mannell of Catholic Healthcare, who's been helming the ship for 21 years.
Peeling back the curtains, Jennifer paints a vivid picture of the group's unique charm: "We're all about camaraderie—attracting an equal mix of folks living with Parkinson's and their dedicated care partners, whether that's a spouse, relative, or close pal. Typically, we gather around 18 souls every tussle, and it's not always the same faces you see each time. Some folks brave the 45-minute drive just to catch our meetings, hailing from Bathurst itself and neighboring towns, including Mandurama, Oberon, Lithgow, and Portland."
The group keeps its monthly tryst at a conveniently local Community Health Centre, where each gathering features a topic of discussion or a guest speaker, tackling the dual needs of both individuals battling Parkinson's and their vigilant care partners. When a speaker falls short of the calendar, Jennifer deftly pulls a webinar or educational content from the wings to share with the gathering.
According to Jennifer, the advantage of an Allied Health professional running the group comes from the wealth of knowledge and connections that would otherwise remain untapped: "Throwing our lot in with a powerhouse like Catholic Healthcare means we got back-up if I can't make a meeting and administrative support that lets our participants breathe easy when essential information needs to be sent out."
On top of the support group, Jennifer Bolsters the community with exercise classes held every fortnight. She's got a trusty ally in Brianna, who clocks in a commute of an hour and 20 minutes from Cowra to lend a helping hand with the classes.Whether participants are members of the support group or simply fellow Bathurst citizens, they're more than welcome to join the movement.
If you're on the hunt for more details about the bathurst group's inception, you might want to reach out to local organizations or community centers in Bathurst for more insights. On the broader Parkinson's support landscape in Australia, you may find valuable resources through established organizations such as the Parkinson's Foundation, or locally rooted community groups.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, the Parkinson's Support Group in Bathurst, active in science-backed discussions and guest speakers, also extends its focus to mental health, offering support for both the individuals living with Parkinson's and their care partners.
- Beyond the Parkinson's Support Group, Jennifer Mannell, the physiotherapist leading the movement, is also involved in health promoting activities, organizing exercise classes for the community at large, thereby advocating for comprehensive health care that encompasses physical and mental well-being.
