Ben Millar
Melton’s Michelle Mendes and Mandy Baker want people living with Parkinson’s disease to know they’re not alone.
Both diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in their 40s, they found that there was very little support for younger people diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease in the western and northern suburbs of Melbourne.
They are now working to develop a peer support group for people living in Melbourne’s north-west who are similarly impacted by the progressive nervous system disorder, which affects the life of more than 27,000 Victorians.
Symptoms often come on gradually, starting with something like a barely perceptible tremor in a hand.
Other effects can include a slowing of physical movement or feelings of muscle stiffness.
Ms Mendes said Melbourne’s long lockdown has created a situation where people living with Parkinson’s disease may be feeling isolated and without adequate peer support.
With assistance from Parkinson’s Victoria, she has teamed with Ms Baker on a quest to establish a peer support group for people living around Melton, Sunbury, Bacchus Marsh or surrounding areas.
“This can then allow people to feel less isolated and to provide access to information about various health services,” Ms Mendes said.
“We can meet as a group and do events and outings with the group, hopefully providing people with Parkinson’s disease the opportunity to connect with each other.”
Ms Mendes said it is important to reach out to people in the outer regions, especially during current times.
They are also on the lookout for sponsorship from local businesses to support their endeavours to launch the group.
People interested in being a part of the peer support group or local businesses that can provide sponsorship can find out more from Tarli at Parkinson’s Victoria on 1800 644 189.
