YMCA Owen Sound (Photo by Nathan Shubert)
The Owen Sound Grey Bruce YMCA is partnering with the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario (PSSO) to offer programs for both the mental and physical well being of those living with Parkinson’s.
PSSO is a group which provides support for those living with Parkinson’s, a disease which can result in uncontrolled movements like shaking, stiffness and difficultly balancing.
PSSO CEO Shelley Rivard says to mark this partnership, they are having a celebration this Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at the YMCA in Owen Sound, where guests will be invited to participate in a support group meeting, and receive a demonstration of Rock Steady Boxing.
Prior to the partnership, the PSSO offered an in-person support group to patients and caregivers to support their mental well being, while Rock Steady Boxing is offered for the physical aspect of the disease. Rivard says this new partnership will bring both of their services to the same venue.
“Partnerships are a great way to build relationships in any of our communities and it brings awareness to our organization to a greater number of people,” says Rivard. “We have a Rock Steady Boxing program that has been running at the YMCA for a little while, but we forged ahead with a bigger partnership and are now collaborating with bringing our support group for the Owen Sound area into the YMCA as well.”
On the second Wednesday of each month, the PSSO says people with Parkinson’s can visit the YMCA from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to participate in a monthly support group, which will focus on sharing their lived experience with Parkinson’s and help others who may have been recently diagnosed. Following the support group, people can choose to take part in Rock Steady Boxing to address their physical symptoms, which will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
“These fund, interactive classes have proven that anyone, at any level of Parkinson’s can lessen their strength, flexibility and speed,” says the PSSO.
Rivard says part of their goal is to ensure no one is living with Parkinson’s alone.
“It is a disease where people like to isolate, so we are trying to get the word out,” says Rivard. “Just looking at all the opportunities and what we can do with having this space that is available to us.”