A Parkinson’s disease support group has been newly established in the Port Douglas/Mossman area for people with Parkinson’s disease, carers, family and friends.

Support groups are an integral part of the services provided by Parkinson’s Queensland and for people with Parkinson’s disease. Support groups provide friendship, emotional and practical support with people facing similar challenges allowing everyone to share feelings, resources and experiences.

The first meeting will of the Port Douglas/Mossman Support Group will be held on Monday 27th September from 10:00am at the Port Douglas Neighbour Centre – 6-10 Mowbray St, Port Douglas and will feature a lucky door prize of a 2011 ‘Day by Day’ Parkinson’s disease diary.

Support group co-ordinator, James Watson, says that after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease recently he felt a need to make contact with other sufferers in the local area. 

“After I discovered the nearest support groups were in Cairns and Mareeba I felt it was important to work with Parkinson’s Queensland Inc. to get a support group up and running in the Port Douglas Shire.  I feel discussing the daily impact of Parkinson’s disease on our lives with fellow sufferers is important therapy towards living a holistic life despite the presence of our chronic condition,” says Mr Watson.

Currently there is no known cause or cure for Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative neurological condition typically presenting with symptoms such as slowness of movement, muscle rigidity, instability and tremor which affects up to 80,000 Australians.

Parkinson's Queensland Inc. is a statewide non-for-profit community organisation supporting individuals, families and carers affected by Parkinson's disease. It provides information, education, awareness and support and also raises money for research. The organisation currently facilitates over 25 support groups throughout Queensland.

For more information please contact:

Port Douglas Support Group Co-ordinator -  James Watson

Client Services Co-ordinator    - Lynda Foulis

Ph: (07) 4098 5335

Parkinson’s Queensland Inc.

Ph: (07) 3209 1588

Unit 2 / 25 Watland Street, Springwood Qld 4127 

PO Box 1684, Springwood, Qld 4127

FREE CALL: 1800 644 189 | Facsimile: (07) 3209 1566

Email: pqi@parkinsons-qld.org.au  Website: www.parkinsons-qld.org.au