East Dorset Parkinson's UK Branch

What we offer to help you

We meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month in St Mary's Church, Ferndown, at 2pm. We have speakers on topics of interest, visits from people who can help in a variety of fields, talented performers and quizzes. There are no special requirements, just come along, but if you are new, maybe with slight trepidation about coming, let us know (using the details on the contact page or by clicking here to use the contact form, we'd love to meet you and will gladly roll out the red carpet.

Being a friendly bunch, we like to go out. On thew second Tuesday of the month, we have lunch at Baskets and Blooms, meeting at 1200 noon.. It is best to book in with Irene at the monthly meeting to reserve your place. In addition to the lunches, we go there for a coffee morning - the 4th Tuesday in the m,onth at 1030 - with no booking required, just come along.

Our weekly exercise class, led by physios from BWT, goes from strength to strength and is currently the best ever. Classes are every Thursday at 1230pm and last an hour. You will need an assessment from BWT to make sure you're suitable - We ask you to pay for the assessment yourself but you will receive the equivalent worth in vouchers for the class, from us when you first come along - please feel free to pop along before if you'd like to observe. If you are interested, please get in touch using one of the methods on the contact page (click here to go to the contact page). Classes cost £5 or 1 voucher. Also, if you are a partner or carer, you will be welcome to join in as long as we have space (people with Parkinson's understandably get priority).

Studies have shown that regular sessions of Tai Chi are a great weapon in the fight against Parkinson's and have major benefits for others as well. The weekly sessions on Mondays at 1130 are an hour long and cost just £6 each. Paul Hammerston is the tutor, who boasts over 30 years in Tai Chi, a relaxed style and takes the time to explain things so people know what they are supposed to be doing and why! Anyone is welcome to join and our classes have a whole range of abilities so don't feel you'll be the new person, you'll fit in just fine. Just come along to the Quarterjack Suite at the Allendale Centre in Wimborne and join in this popular and fun class.

Further improve your vocal communications with professional speech therapy. Weekly online (via zoom) sessions - approx 45 minutes each, every Tuesday at 1245, £5 per session. This represents terrific value for money for therapy of this quality. Anyone is welcome to join but sessions are on zoom, so we need to know where to send the invites! You can arrange this by getting in touch using one of the methods on the contact page (click here to go to the contact page), or contacting Margaret Stephens (therapist) on 07763 235997, thank you.

Occasionally, we'll do some other type of fun stuff, like a cream tea somewhere or have a colllection day to help group funds. We welcome any ideas for activities that you may wish to try so please let us know as it's the only way we can make it happen for you. The best way is to use the contact page (click here to go to the contact page). Thank you.