A HEMYOCK-based Parkinson’s community café will return for a second run this Saturday (November 30) after a successful event in October.

Established by pilates instructor Sarah Grey, the Positively Parkinson’s Café offers an opportunity for those living with the disease and anyone affected by it to come together for a morning of conversation and coffee.

This month, local advisor for Parkinson’s UK, Nick Ephgrave will join the gathering to share resources and offer one-to-one support to attendees. Future cafés promise a variety of speakers including a geriatrician and an Exeter University academic.

Sarah and Nick say they hope to provide a space for rural community members and working aged people in particular who may not otherwise have access to support networks.

Sarah said: “It’s about giving people the chance to just talk and not having to explain themselves. Not feeling judged.

“Going into that room, they can just relax because they know that everybody in that room is in the same boat. And that was very much what was happening.”

The first café was held in October and welcomed 23 attendees, two of whom had never met anyone else living with Parkinson’s until then. After the success of the inaugural event, Sarah says she’s already heard from several people who hope to join the next one.

Attendee Jane Hancock said: “It was a lovely atmosphere and it wasn’t all doom and gloom about each person's symptoms. It’s nice to have positive thoughts about what we can do to make it better instead which is what I feel you are doing and is much appreciated.

“I will definitely be there next month and look forward to it.”

The next Positively Parkinson’s Café will take place this Saturday, November 30, from 10.30am-12pm at the Healthy Living and Activity Centre in Hemyock.