Robin Tanner, Chairman of the local Bath Parkinson’s Branch, has been honoured with an award for Volunteer Leader of the Year at the Guildhall for his contribution to people affected by Parkinson’s. Robin, along with John Saunders, from Radstock, has worked extremely hard locally to set up a network of support meetings in the area for those affected by the disease.
Robin said: “We work very closely with the regional professionals at Clara Cross Clinic, St Martin’s Hospital, Frome Medical Centre and NHS Somerset CCG. This helps us in the work to improve care after an early diagnosis.
“Working with my team of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers, over the last two years we have developed an outreach programme that is bringing great benefits to many with Parkinson’s and their carers. We now have a network of social meetings in Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Frome and Gurney Slade. These informal meetings
are held every month and encourage people to challenge their physical limitations and improve their well-being.”
The various meetings that take place across the region can accommodate 30–35
people at each venue and attendees get the chance to meet and socialise, as well as take part in social outings, such as trips out and gatherings at Christmas time. The outreach programme recently identified the potential for such a programme in Frome, and through advertising in the local media and health centres, a meeting was planned. It was anticipated that a dozen people might attend the first meeting, but 38 turned up and the group had to quickly obtain a larger room and more cups of coffee! It has been going strong ever since.
“We are self-financing and encourage our social groups to manage their own meetings,” Robin continued, “It is hoped that this ownership of meetings will help to improve and secure their long-term sustainability. We are like a big family.”
Parkinson’s UK Bath and District Branch now has over 250 affiliated members and as the outreach programme develops, this membership is increasing. Coffee mornings, regularly advertised in The Journal, are now held at the Centurion Hotel in Midsomer Norton, Radstock Methodist Church, Frome’s Cheese and Grain, The George Inn at Gurney Slade, and recently, the Carers’ Centre in Bath, as the pair are keen to support those who look after people with Parkinson’s. The idea has been so successful that they are also looking at finding a venue in Shepton Mallet, approaching those who may benefit through the local medical centres.
“We have a wide range of activities, pub lunches, exercise, dance and yoga classes, indoor bowls and hydrotherapy. A monthly newsletter helps to keep all our members up-to-date with local research programmes and forthcoming events, and we offer a
community bus service to make things more ‘Parkinson friendly’,” adds Robin.
To find out more about the Parkinson’s Bath and District Branch, please contact Robin via email: [email protected]