Highlighted: Northern Rivers Community Aid Organization
In the picturesque township of Alstonville, the Northern Rivers Parkinson's Support Group continues to provide a vital hub for those affected by Parkinson's disease and their carers. With an average attendance of 30 individuals at each meeting, the group boasts a diverse range of professions, from teachers and engineers to deep sea divers and scientists.
Each gathering begins with participants introducing themselves, their school, and their previous occupation, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences. The meetings also include an Acknowledgement of Country and introductions of any guests, with local Parkinson's nurses Rebecca and Tim sometimes attending to offer support and advice.
Cheryl Beerens, who has been the Group Leader for the past five years, has been instrumental in keeping the group running smoothly. Cheryl, who cared for her father who lived with Parkinson's and dementia, has shown great dedication and empathy in her role. She has decorated the tables with flowers or interesting seed pods before meetings, and has taken great care in ensuring that the group is welcoming and inclusive for all.
However, after five years at the helm, Cheryl is in the process of handing over the role of Group Leader. She has taken over a year to find a new leader, considering the views of participants on who they would be comfortable with. The new leader should unite the group and focus on bringing people together and encouraging them to share, rather than telling people what to do.
Despite the lack of publicly available information on the new leader for the Northern Rivers Parkinson's Support Group, it is clear that they will have big shoes to fill. Leadership roles in Parkinson's support groups involve a commitment to advancing care, providing community support, and facilitating education and outreach for people affected by Parkinson's disease. Leaders typically coordinate group activities, manage volunteer efforts, and foster partnerships with local organizations or health care providers to enhance support services.
The Northern Rivers Parkinson's Support Group serves the area from Ocean Shores to Wollongbar, and meetings take place at a local cafe. The group also introduces guest speakers, not always related to Parkinson's, to provide a broad range of topics and perspectives.
The group is composed of 65% people living with Parkinson's and 35% carers, many of whom are couples. In recognition of those who have passed away, the group acknowledges participants who have passed away by lighting a candle in their memory and writing their name on a board.
As Cheryl hands over the reins, we wish her all the best and look forward to seeing what the future holds for the Northern Rivers Parkinson's Support Group.
- As the new leader of the Northern Rivers Parkinson's Support Group takes over, they will be expected to maintain a focus on community, as Cheryl Beerens has done, by fostering shared experiences, promoting mental health, and engaging in discussions that range from science to health-and-wellness.
- In the past, the Northern Rivers Parkinson's Support Group has invited guest speakers from various fields, acknowledging the importance of a broad understanding in addressing the challenges associated with Parkinson's disease, with topics ranging from mental health to the history of medical research.
