THE Collie Parkinson's Support Group has been a haven in the area for Parkinson's disease sufferers and their families.
Group co-ordinator Debra Jack began the group in July 2009, after her husband, Barry, was diagnosed with the disease a year earlier.
She asked her area support nurse if she knew of any Parkinson's support groups in the area and the suggestion was she should start one.
She has been running the group ever since.
Ms Jack hopes to educate suffers and their families about the disease, and the issues surrounding it.
As well the group is a place where sufferers and their families or carers can come to discuss different issues.
"People come to be able to talk to other people who may be experiencing the same issues," Ms Jack said .
"When they come here they can get reassurance others are going through the same things."
It is estimated about 100,000 people are living with Parkinson's disease in Australia, and the average age of diagnosis is mid-50s.
Over the years the group has grown to its present level of about 12 members who attend monthly meetings.
They comprise Parkinson's sufferers, family members, carers and friends.
The group recently donated $895 to Parkinson's Western Australia from money raised in November with a walkathon held in November.
There are plans to make it an annual event.
The group meets every third Monday of the month, at 10.30am in the Collie Library.
Anyone who wishes to attend is welcome.
