Parkinson's Cafe at Riverside Lodge
Sarah Pratt, the Customer Relationship Manager at Riverside Lodge care home, was keen to open a Parkinson’s café in Rickmansworth to support members of the local community living with Parkinson's. She approached Parkinson's UK and found that the nearest support group was at ASDA in Watford which met once a month. Sarah went to visit the group and found that quite a few people had travelled from Rickmansworth and many said they would be keen to attend a group nearer to home.
Kate Watson, the Local Volunteer Officer for East of England, came to visit and to undertake a risk assessment of Riverside Lodge to make sure it was safe to hold a Parkinson’s support group there. Having passed this assessment it was agreed that a new group would be set up and that it would start in September and be open on the 4th Friday of each month from 14:30 to 16:00, so as to not clash with other Parkinson’s related clubs in the area.
The first meeting attracted 12 attendees, which is a fantastic result for a first time group. Everyone said they enjoyed it and found it beneficial. Sarah was on hand with Parkinson’s literature including medication cards, information leaflets, and information about “Everyone Active” and their free membership for people living with Parkinson’s. Everyone commented on how just talking to others in the same situation was invaluable, and they found out a lot of information that they didn’t know. The home’s kitchens provided some beautiful homemade biscuits and cakes for everyone and there were plenty of smiles all round.
A very special thank you to Sally, one of Riverside Lodge’s residents who has been living with Parkinson’s for 20 years. She has spent many years as a volunteer for Parkinson’s UK and was incredibly helpful. She was a font of all knowledge for those who wanted to know more about the illness.
We are looking forward to hosting our next Parkinson’s café.
Meetings are held at Riverside Lodge care home, Rickmansworth, on the 4th Friday of each month from 14:30 to 16:00.
Riverside Lodge, 44 Church Street, Rickmansworth, WD3 1JE
01923 617930