Chairman of the local Bath Parkinson’s UK branch, Robin Tanner, was recently honoured with an award for ‘Volunteer Leader of the Year’ at the Guildhall for his contribution to people affected by Parkinson’s.
Robin said, “We work very closely with the regional professionals at Clara Cross St Martins Hospital, Frome Medical Centre, NHS Somerset CCG. This helps us in the work to improve care after early diagnosis.
“Working with my team of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers, 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 outreach programme recently identified the potential for such a programme in Frome. 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, 38 attended and we had to quickly obtain a larger room and more cups of coffee!
“We are a self-financing group and encourage our social groups to manage their own meetings. It is hoped that this ownership of meetings will help to improve and secure their long term sustainability.
“Parkinson’s UK, Bath & District Branch now have over 250 affiliated members. As the outreach programme develops, this membership is increasing.
“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. We also offer a community bus service to make the community more Parkinson friendly.”
