Dartmouth Caring – the charity that looks out for the elderly and vulnerable in the Dartmouth and district area – is extending the scope of its Parkinson’s Café – and is renaming it the Positive Café to include and help other individuals.
The Parkinson’s Café has been running since September 2011 – held in the newly renamed ‘Community Corner’ in the Old Market Square on the third Thursday of every month. It aimed to create a support group for those with Parkinson’s – a progressive disease that creates muscle tremors and other physical problems.
The charity has made the decision to increase the scope of the group as it has been such a success in helping Parkinson’s sufferers and their families, who also all thought it should be broadened to include others who had similar problems.
It will now be extended to include those with other illnesses that effect mobility and agility, both mentally and physically; some of these for example are Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome
The group with expanded scope will now be known as the Positive Café and is very much a social meeting place as well as providing any support or advice that they need in their day-to-day life. Anyone who thinks they might benefit from advice or support for a condition they or a loved one might be dealing with are welcome to come along.
The Positive Café will also feature occasional visiting specialists at certain points during the year who can update members on news and information concerning treatments or long-term management of the conditions.
Dartmouth Caring Manager and Coordinator Alison Stocks said the group was open to all who were in some way affected by these conditions.
“It will be a regular place for them as well as any of their friends, family and carers to come and meet others in similar situations as well as discuss any concerns they may be having” she said. “Everyone is welcome. Regular meetings like this can be very helpful and encouraging as well as socially supportive. Chatting with those who can understand exactly what you are experiencing through their own similar situations is helpful and at the same time light relief.”
The next Positive Café will be held in the Community Corner of the Dartmouth Old Market on Thursday August 16 from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
If you would like more information or to advise Dartmouth Caring that you would like to sometimes take part contact the Dartmouth Caring office on 01803 835384 or email enquiries@dartmouthcaring,co.uk.
Phil Scoble 