The origins of Painting with Parkinson’s
During a walk through the gardens of Berwick 20 years ago, Anne was inspired to form a support group. This Victoria-wide support group initially began as “a place for people struggling with infertility”, but evolved over time to eventually become the Fight Parkinson’s Berwick Painting with Parkinson’s Support Group. It was founded and lovingly grown by Anne Atkin—previous art teacher, published author, Parkinson’s ambassador, and recipient of the 2020 Medal of the Order of Australia for her support and contributions to the Parkinson’s community.
Though she stepped down from leading the support group in 2021, Anne continues to advocate for the Parkinson’s community and was still more than happy to speak about the history of Painting with Parkinson’s.
“I wanted to give people who have never had a chance to experience creativity a chance to come and have a go,” she said. “Art helps to soothe the central nervous system.”
Although creativity was the main focus of the support group, Anne—who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s herself at the age of 55—began to implement other strategies which she found offered her sustained relief from her own symptoms. This included a combination of:
- Humour
- Mindfulness
- Positive thinking
- Socialisation
- Visualisation
- Wellness
All in a safe and supportive setting.
How Painting with Parkinson’s impacts participants
Anne says that what she observed through Painting with Parkinson’s, is that the people she witnessed painting in her support group seemed to experience some ease in their tremor. But this wasn’t the only positive relief that she observed. Referring to the group as “a package-deal of things that can help us feel we are taking some control back in life”, she said that every activity was focused on striving to retrain the brain.
“The social aspect of Painting with Parkinson’s also helped with my own depression,” said Anne, “We found that people’s moods would come up after a few weeks, like they are no longer as depressed as they used to be. I think it gives a sense of value to the individual.”
Participants of Painting with Parkinson’s groups across Australia attest to the activity’s value in improving self-esteem, overcoming loneliness and isolation, and a way to provide personalised therapy.
Anne also shared that the support group provided people with Parkinson’s an amazing opportunity to explore their sense of colour and creativity. Playing games was also something that she began to implement into the sessions as a way to spark joy.
Remembering back over her 15 years of running the Fight Parkinson’s Berwick Painting with Parkinson’s Support Group, Anne said that everyone benefits in one way or another from being creative.
“We had a man in a wheelchair, who couldn’t speak, or move on his own. His family brought him along. I put a paint brush in his hand, and he eventually got the idea and the strength to hold a brush, dip it in paint, and have a go. We framed the paintings and the family hung them in his home.”
She also mentioned a gentleman whose work went on to be included in several exhibitions and expressed his gratitude for Anne and Painting with Parkinson’s, saying, ‘You put a brush in my hand, and now I’m an artist.’
When asked what she would say to someone who was thinking about joining a Fight Parkinson’s Painting with Parkinson’s Support Group but might be feeling apprehensive or nervous about doing so, Anne replied with the Painting with Parkinson’s creed: All people are valued.
“If you don’t want to have a go, that’s fine. Come and sit and have cake of tea or coffee with us and just enjoy. And when you’re ready, you let us know.”
How to join your local Painting with Parkinson’s peer support group
If you are interested in joining your local Fight Parkinson’s Painting with Parkinson’s Support Group—or another peer support group—please contact the Fight Parkinson’s Health Information Line.
Phone
Health information line: Free call 1800 931 031*
*A free translation service is available on this line.
Email
[email protected]
