"A privilege to attend Power Up sessions"

I have had the privilege of accompanying my mother to the latest Power Up! group with Suzanne and her team, and have made lots of new friends in the spouse/carer group. I wasn’t sure what to expect as I assumed I’d be the only daughter with everyone else being partners of the people with Parkinson’s. It wasn’t the case and we were all able to support each other, regardless of age. The quality and variety of the speakers in each session was superb. I particularly found it useful to hear everyone’s experience and stories. Each was different and yet had a familiarity about them.

We saw such growth and confidence of our people with Parkinson’s over the weeks, especially those who were struggling to accept their diagnosis initially. By the end of the sessions, they were planning what exercise they were going to do next and who they were going to meet up with. Two of the younger patients had even palled up and joined a gym together!

We were all comfortable to be ourselves and ask questions, and I am grateful to the volunteers upstairs and Suzanne, downstairs, for setting that tone and making both areas a safe space. I particularly found it useful hearing what the volunteers were saying as they either have Parkinson’s or are living with people with it, so their first-hand experience was invaluable.

The second hour with Suzanne and the guest speakers was so informative and useful each week. I feel we learnt so much about Parkinson’s that will help us going forward. Suzanne is such a clear communicator and so positive about Parkinson’s it was infectious. She brought joy to every session and made what could have been very complicated details of the disease, clear and simple for us all to understand. It was so helpful to learn how we as carers, have to adjust what we say and do. For example, learning how much mental energy goes into just standing, balancing and walking - all things I take for granted - when one has Parkinson’s, has opened my eyes and I will definitely be more patient and allow more time for Mum to do what she needs to do.

Thank you, Suzanne and team for the pioneering work you are doing through Power Up!