BPW Tullamore recognised a severe lack of supports for patients and families with Parkinson's Disease and have addressed this for their region.
Description BPW
Tullamore regularly holds information evenings for the wider community but were overwhelmed with the response when the topic was Parkinson's Disease. It emerged from this initial meeting in
October 2022 that the services were severely lacking in the Midlands of Ireland, away from the larger cities. By August 2023 they had a vibrant Committee in place addressing the four
pillars on which to base the support programme for persons with Parkinson's “PwP” and their families.
• Neuro Activity – physical activity, brain stimulation
• Education
• Community/ Social engagement
• Behavioural change.
Currently there are over 85 PwPs through referrals from Doctors, Physiotherapists and word of mouth. They have weekly gym classes, a boxercise class, monthly education meetings and
coffee mornings where PwPs can access art, music and technology information. They regularly act as advocates for PwPs with the Health Services and lobby for more services in the area. All free of
charge.
BPW Tullamore, Ireland
Region: Europe
Start of Project: October 2022
Duration: Permanent
Registration: July 6, 2026
Partners
Parkinson's Ireland provided some funding and education supports. Local Clubs such as Lions Club, Irish Countrywomen's Association, Historical Society and many other community groups fundraised - Parkinson's Disease is prevalent and impacts many families. The Irish Health Authority provided some funding and additional educational supports and the students at University College Cork provided their skill and technology for free.
Funding
The services are provided free to PwPs. Parkinson's Ireland, the National Support Agency, provided some funding. Many local Clubs fundraised. They lobbied the Local Health Authority for funding and formed an alliance with students in University College Cork, who were developing a Speech & Language Therapy App to pilot this for them in return for free access. Local medical personnel have given their time for free, acknowledging the benefit accruing to so many sufferers in the area.
BPW Topic 6, 8
SDG 3, 10
