GIRVAN will be Ayrshire’s first town to support a Parkinson’s Café being launched by the UK charity.

The café will be a new style of support for people affected by Parkinson’s in Ayrshire. It offers an opportunity for people to meet for a relaxed social event along with access to support in an informal setting.

The first café will be held from 1pm – 2.30pm on Thursday 14 September at Age Concern in Girvan’s Duff Street and is open to everyone.

Gill MacGregor, Parkinson’s UK Volunteer Co-ordinator, said: “We know that some people, particularly those recently diagnosed, aren’t too keen on joining established support groups. 

“And we know too that travelling to a regular group elsewhere can be difficult. The idea behind the café is that it’s an informal social gathering in an attractive and accessible venue that’s open for anyone living with, or affected by, Parkinson’s. 

“There’ll be a wide range of Parkinson’s information available and a Parkinson’s specialist nurse, myself and other Parkinson’s UK colleagues will be on hand to offer support and advice.

“Please come and join us – you’re guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome.”

Parkinson’s Cafés are a Dutch initiative, created by the national organisation, Parkinson Vereniging, to help overcome the sense of isolation that often affects people with the condition.

While plenty of coffee and cake is consumed, it’s not just about shiny espresso machines and frothy milk – in fact the venues can range from local libraries to nursing homes. 

The Cafés are first and foremost about creating a sense of community for people with Parkinson’s, their families, and the professionals who treat them.

Every hour, someone in the UK is told they have Parkinson’s. The illness affects 11,000 people in Scotland - which is around one in 500 of the population.

Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological condition, for which there currently is no cure. The main symptoms of the condition are tremor, slowness of movement and rigidity.

Parkinson’s UK is the UK’s leading charity supporting those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s through cutting edge research, information, support and campaigning.

For advice, information and support, visit www.parkinsons.org.uk or call our free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.

For more information about the Girvan base please contact Gill on 0344 225 9836 or 07976 866647 or gmacgregor@parkinsons.org.uk