- by Anne Finlay-Stewart, Editor

For those with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in Owen Sound and Grey Bruce Counties,  the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario (PSSO) and the YMCA  of Owen Sound Grey Bruce (YMCA) have partnered to offer programs for both the mental and physical  wellbeing of PD patients in the area.

Prior to this partnership, PSSO had offered  in-person support groups  to patients and caregivers to  support their mental wellbeing, while the YMCA had offered the Rock Steady Boxing Program for the  physical activity side of the disease. Starting in March of 2023, the two organizations combined efforts to  offer both programs in the same place.

On the second Wednesday of each month, people with Parkinson’s can come to the YMCA from 11:30  am until 1:00 pm to participate in a monthly Support Group, focusing on sharing their lived experience  with Parkinson’s Disease, while gaining knowledge, and helping others in a social environment who may  have been recently diagnosed.

Following the Support Group, those that are inclined can work on their  physical symptoms by participating in Rock Steady Boxing  offered Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:15 to  2:45 pm.,  These fun, interactive classes, available a Y membership along with all the other Y services , have proven that anyone, at any level of Parkinson’s, can lessen their  symptoms and and enhance their quality of life while building  strength, flexibility and speed.  

This photograph is our friend Janneke Baan, who passed away in 2022, but was our cover girl for Rock Steady Boxing when it began at the Y in 2018.

Another friend of the Hub, Bill Moses, also wrote about Rock Steady Boxing back in 2018

To connect with the Parkinson's support group, boxing, and educational events, email [email protected].  More information about Parkinson's, services and events is available on the website of the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario.