Chance to set up new social group
Chair Maggie Connell writes:
Since becoming chair of the Parkinson’s UK branch in Shrewsbury, I have been asked several times if we provide anything for younger people with Parkinson’s, such as a Working Age Café.
I’ve always been very sad to have to say that we don’t but that it’s something we’d like to do in the future.
Well, I’ve decided that time is now.
There are a few local groups for younger people around the country. Most of them have regular evening meet-ups in a pub or restaurant on a casual drop-in basis, so members can just turn up when they have time. The aim is to offer mutual support and encouragement, along with a chance to share tips and experiences, enjoy social activities and make new friends, frequently aided by a WhatsApp group.
Whilst you might think that our monthly branch socials offer much of the above, there are some big differences:
Working age people may have young children or teenagers
They need to be familiar with their legal rights at work
They may need to know about benefits for people of working age
What all the groups have in common is that they meet at a time when people are not likely to be at work or looking after young children.
What do the people in our local area want? If you fit this category, or know anyone else who does, please contact me and we will make this work!
To get involved and share your ideas, email maggie.connell1@gmail.com or call her on 07817 567 552.
Holiday like a pro with some top tips
Branch members Sylvia and David share their tips for a stress-free holiday—complete with mobility scooter
When we first received the Parkinson’s MSA diagnosis we presumed our travels to far-flung places would be a thing of the past, but with planning and research we have been able to enjoy those bucket-list destinations, most recently Vietnam.
It was a beautiful and intriguing place quite unlike anywhere else we've been, a mixture of Buddhist temples and ancient bridges, peaceful fishing villages and acres of paddy fields, coffee plantations and lots of chrysanthemums.
The Vietnamese people are cheerful and eager to help; they were intrigued by David's mobility scooter—something they’d not seen before—and he became something of a celebrity in the hotel, being saluted each morning by the bell boy. Fame at last!
Getting there
We travelled from Heathrow with Singapore airlines, and found their accessible policy to be good. We took Dave’s mobility scooter and were able to use it up until the aeroplane door; at that point it goes into the hold, minus its battery which goes into the cabin with you.
All equipment is accommodated without charge. We have found it’s always better to have your own chair, scooter etc. so that you can use it at least as far as the gate. If you don't have your own, they are cheap to hire for the duration of your holiday, but do that before you leave home, not at the airport.
The insurance for our scooter covered the flight as well, so that's worth thinking about, just in case of handling damage—although we’ve never had that happen to us.
It's essential to speak to the company/agent at the time of booking, to find out what information you will need to produce at the check-in desk. This might include the weight and size of your scooter or chair when folded, and the specification of the lithium battery. This is different with each airline so do check.
Remember you will be dealing with two separate organisations, the airport and the airline, and they may have different procedures from each other.
Medications will need to be in their original packaging, and for some destinations you will need a letter from your GP confirming that you need them with you. Obvious, I know, but the drug laws in some countries are very different from the UK and Vietnam was one of those places.
It goes without saying that good travel insurance is essential, and should include repatriation if needed. We used Able2Travel, which specialises in accessible insurance, and found their prices quite competitive.
Being there
In your hotel you should have few, if any, access problems, but do book an accessible room and make sure you check what is understood by the description and that it meets your needs. For example, many rooms are set up for wheelchairs, not scooters, and some have a reduced height bath rather than a walk-in shower.
We found getting around to be a challenge as pavements in the small towns were full of parked scooters. Apparently, there are 58 million scooters in Vietnam, and we think we saw all of them. The amount of traffic was overwhelming and we adapted to the new normal by taking a government taxi everywhere. (Foreign visitors are not allowed to drive in Vietnam.)
Overall, we found that not everything was convenient, but there was always an alternative solution, and Dave was able to do everything he wanted. Surely that's what adventure is all about?
Sylvia Lyle
Join local gym to keep fit for free
We all know how important exercise is to keep as healthy as possible, so here’s an offer that’s worth considering. The PureGym group is offering free 12-month, off-peak membership to people with Parkinson’s, plus a companion if one is needed.
Membership includes participation in all classes, although a few of the gentler ones, such as yoga and pilates, incur an extra £2 charge. The free membership was negotiated by the excellent Movers and Shakers podcasters.
To register, email purehelp@puregym.com with the following details:
Full name
Date of birth
Email address
Mobile number
Home address
Off-peak hours in Shrewsbury are:
Monday to Friday from midnight to 6am, 8.30am to 4pm, and 9pm to midnight; and all day Saturday and Sunday.
Visit the Pure Gym Shrewsbury Meole Brace Page to find out more and see which classes might appeal to you.
World Parkinson's Day needs you! 🫵
It’s not long now till the next World Parkinson’s Day takes place on Friday, 11 April, and we’ll be holding a stall in the Square to raise awareness.
We need volunteers to man the stall, shake buckets, chat to passers-by and hand out leaflets.
If you would like to help out for an hour or two during the day, please email sec.shrewsbury.parkinsons@gmail.com or call 07879 338895.
Petition launched
A call has gone out to sign a petition which urges the government to take action to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones, and step up the search for a cure.
Members of the influential Movers and Shakers podcast have relaunched their Parky Charter and created a new petition which requires 100,000 signatures to trigger a debate in Parliament.
The move is backed by charities Parkinson’s UK, Spotlight YOPD and Cure Parkinson’s.
👉 Visit the official petition to add your signature.
Dates for your diary
Our monthly socials are held at The Beaconsfield Club in the centre of Shrewsbury (opposite the bus station) on the third Wednesday of the month, from 11am to 12.15pm. These friendly meetings are FREE.
Table Tennis (free): Mon 7 April, 10am - 12pm at the Sports Village, Sundorne Road, SY1 4RQ
Parkinson’s Exercise Hub (free): Wed 26 March, 2, 9, 16 and 30 April, 10am - 12pm at Brew & Amber Cafe, Shrewsbury Town Football Club, SY2 6ST
Physiotherapy (free): Mon 24 March, 14 and 28 April, 11am-12pm at ‘Central’, above Palmer’s cafe, Claremont St, SY1 1QG
Speech & Language Therapy: Thurs 27 March, 10 and 24 April, 2 - 3pm at Radbrook Community Centre, Calverton Way, SY3 6DZ
World Parkinson’s Day: Fri 11 April, 9am - 4pm at The Square, Shrewsbury
We need volunteers to join us on the stall, shake buckets and give out leaflets
—please contact a committee member if you can help
Branch Social: Wed 23 April, 11am - 12.15pm at The Beaconsfield Club, Shrewsbury SY1 1PD; Quiz and refreshments
Branch Contact Details
Website: Shrewsbury Parkinson's UK Branch
Mobile: 07879 338895
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