WORLD Parkinson Disease Day approaches on the 11th of April. Those associated with the central nervous system disorder are to be recognised.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, degenerative neurological disorder, resulting in unintended movements, stiffness, tremors, and difficulty with balance and coordination. In Australia, around 150,000 people are affected by the disease.

Parky People is a non-for-profit charity focused on offering support to those with Parkinson’s, the carers, and the loved ones of Australians suffering with the disease. Parky People’s Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Support Group was established by Bernard Heafey and Henry Beran in 1989, meeting monthly at the Turramurra Uniting Church. In the Hornsby district, Parky People connect this unique community of people together in hopes to foster a welcoming environment and space to meet, socialise, further their knowledge of the disease, and participate in activities.

Parky People have a host of activities and programs available. In July of 2018, Dick Babb founded Parkinsong, a weekly sing-along choir session held at the Turramurra Seniors Centre that doubles as vocal therapy for the participants. Parky People note that singing enhances voice volume and improves respiration and swallowing — all of which are affected by Parkinson’s disease. Participants are encouraged to project their voices in a loud, unabashed fashion to help improve the quality of their vocal capabilities.

Parky People coordinate exercise classes every Friday at Mount Colah Community Centre, where participants will exercise in order to reduce stiffness, manage symptoms of Parkinson’s, and improve their balance, mobility, and gait. The class has been running at Mount Colah Community centre for 18 months and has a regular turnout. As per Parky People’s strategic plan, the class must be conducted by a qualified trainer or physiotherapist.

The class is currently run by Felicity Neale, who plays upbeat music during sessions and creates an uplifting atmosphere through dance, rhythm, and curated agility drills. Participants use paraphernalia such as pool noodles, plastic balls, and weights during the classes to better coordination, balance and improve physical strength.

Parky People additionally host a Craft Club, and have a library with access to information and research about Parkinson’s disease.

President of Parky People, Rose Parkin, describes how helpful these activities are for those suffering with Parkinson. Participants also spoke to how Parky People, as a community, helps reduce any shame, embarrassment and awkwardness that Parkinson survivors may experience in wider society.

Parky People hope to strengthen the lives of those impacted by Parkinson’s, advocate for the members, and to increase public awareness of the disease so more research, more funding, and more recognition can be achieved.

For more information, visit https://www.parkypeople