Parkinson's Support Groups
Support groups are a gathering of people with common experiences or concerns who provide each other with encouragement, comfort, and advice. They can also be a place to learn more about Parkinson’s disease. People who have been through or are going through a similar circumstance can do more than sympathize with you — they can relate to your situation and keep you from feeling like you are alone.
At a support group meeting you may:
- Share information about medical diagnosis, treatments, research, and strategies
- Talk about your feelings and receive confirmation that there are others dealing with the same challenges
- Compare common symptoms and ways that each person has handled the symptoms
- Discuss issues that are unique to care partners and family members of people with Parkinson’s disease
- Learn from expert speakers
Why join a support group?
Support groups provide the opportunity to build community and talk with people who understand what you’re going through. By joining a support group, you will hear firsthand insight into many aspects of navigating the disease, and be able to share your experiences with others.
For some people, the most difficult step is walking through the door, but most find that once they make the decision, the experience is helpful and supportive. Remember, a support group is not a substitute for medical treatment or professional counseling and it is not a replacement for family and friends.
PAC maintains a network of over 65 independent support groups across North and South Carolina. Please contact PAC’s Program Director at pac@parkinsonassociation.org or by calling (980) 245-2786 for more information about support groups in your area, including contact information and when the group meets.
Parkinson Association of the Carolinas Support Groups!
PAC offers two support groups for people affected by Parkinson’s disease.
On the first Wednesday of every month at 12:00 PM, we invite everyone from our community to join us for the Virtual Education Support Group on Zoom, where you will learn from expert speakers and have opportunities to ask questions and connect with others.
If you have been diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease, join us on the third Thursday of every month at 1:00 PM for the YOPD Support Group in person or on Zoom to connect with others who share your experience.
Whether you are a person with Parkinson’s disease, a care partner, a family member or friend, or a community member we want to help you to be proactive about your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
Upcoming PAC Support Groups
Did you miss a Virtual Education Support Group Meeting?
Check out PAC’s YouTube channel to tune into past Virtual Support Group presentations.
More Parkinson’s Support Groups Around the Carolinas
PAC supports a network of more than 65 independent support groups across the Carolinas. Click the button below for a listing of support groups around North Carolina and south Carolina. Please contact a PAC team member for more information about signing up to attend a support group at (980) 245-2786. If you would like to submit your support group for public listing or would like to submit changes to a listed support group, please contact pac@parkinsonassociation.org.
Do You Want to Start a Parkinson's Support Group?
PAC strives to provide group leaders with ongoing support to design and facilitate meetings that are in line with participants’ expectations and needs. Whether you’re starting a new group, transitioning to a leadership role, or need to refresh your meetings, PAC is here to help.
PAC can share a Support Group Guide with tools, resources, and templates to walk you through starting a group. We can also meet with you to discuss your goals, answer any questions you may have about starting a support group, or connect you with local resources.
For assistance with a support group, or if you would like to facilitate a new support group in your area PAC can help! Please contact the Program Director, Gillian Schultz, at (980) 245-2786 or pac@parkinsonassociation.org.
PAC’s Speakers Bureau
We are always seeking community partners in North and South Carolina to join our Speaker’s Bureau. Our guest speakers host presentations on a variety of Parkinson’s disease (PD) related topics, such as understanding the condition, research updates, managing symptoms, available therapies and treatments, and sharing personal experiences.
If you are interested in serving as a guest speaker, please click here to submit the Potential Speakers Interest Form online. You can also print and complete a PDF version of the form, and mail it to PAC’s office at the following address:
PO Box 1465, Matthews, NC 28106