Support groups play an important role in the community and for those with issues such as breast cancer, dementia, diabetes, prostate cancer and Parkinson's there is support available to you right here on the Tomaree Peninsular.
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These support groups are such an important part of the daily living of people who have the disease as well as their carer's, family and friends. They can raise awareness in the local community of the importance to have such a group of people working to help others in these very special health areas and encourage more people to be involved.
In a regional area like the Tomaree Peninsular, we do have excellent medical services but we need to travel to Newcastle, Maitland or Sydney for specialist services. Having a local support group helps fill a need for more readily available information in conjunction with the professional advice from the other medical services.
The support groups give people the opportunity to share their feelings and experiences. They are able to feel more supported and less alone. It provides a common purpose and enables them to be with people who understand the impact of the disease and the needs of the carer and break down any feelings of isolation associated with the disease.
The positive benefits of being involved with a support group are well worth while and will enhance the life of all people living with a disease.
Some of the benefits of support groups and joining them are:
- Information on the latest developments provided by health professionals
- Meetings with expert guest speakers
- Exercise advice and programs
- Improved understanding of the disease
- Discussions around medication
- Seeing how others are coping and learning new ideas
- Making new friends
- Create an awareness of the disease and its special requirements in the community
- Seeking funding for research on behalf of the support group's controlling organisation
- Support to carers
If you have a health issue and there is a dedicated support group for your condition, then make the effort and get involved, it will help you and your family. If you are a carer for someone, then you will also gain a significant benefit by joining a support group.
Bob Crampton is president of Tomaree Parkinson's Support Group.