Parkinson’s UK’s Bridport and District support group is celebrating its 39th year supporting local people who are living with the condition and their loved ones.

The support group arranges regular meetings, talks and activities and provides information, advice, support and friendship for people with Parkinson’s and their friends, family and carers.

The Bridport and District support group is regularly attended by many people from the local community living with Parkinson’s, and to mark its 39th anniversary, the group arranged an afternoon tea for everyone, and a dance tutor to get the group up and dancing.

 The 39th Anniversary event was held and celebrated as part of their monthly meeting at St Swithun's Church Hall in Bridport in the afternoon on 22 October and was attended by 20 people.

Claire Denby, Local Volunteer Officer at Parkinson’s UK, said: “Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s can be a shock and adapting to life with the condition can be hard for the person involved and their loved ones too. But we know that getting the right information and support at the right time can make all the difference.

“That’s why it’s important to celebrate that the Bridport and District support group has been running for nearly 40 years. The group has such an important part to play for those people in the Bridport area, and hope to be part of the local community for many more years to come.”

The group meets regularly on the fourth Tuesday of each month at St Swithun's Church Hall North Allington, Bridport, DT6 5DU. The sessions run from 2pm to 4pm and include various speakers, as well as many activities including dance, exercise to music and lunches.

Speaking about the anniversary celebrations, which she led, Jane Kellas, Support Group Coordinator, said: “39 again! Our happy band meets every month to swap notes on the trials and tribulations of living with Parkinsons, but mainly to laugh and have fun, and forget we’ve got it.

“There are over 80 of us in the Bridport Group made up of those who come to our meetups and those who stay in touch online and via our newsletter. All new members are very welcome anytime – people with Parkinson’s carers, friends and family. Come and join us!”.

Around 153,000 people in the UK are living with Parkinson’s, including around 4,014 people in Dorset.

Parkinson's UK is the UK's leading charity supporting those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's through pioneering research, information, support and campaigning.

For further details about the Bridport and District support group, please contact Claire Denby, on 02079633731 or email denby@parkinsons.org.uk