A CAFÉ support session set up to help working age people with Parkinson's will be launched in Alloa this Wednesday.

Parkinson's UK is launching its Young Parkinson's café, offering people affected, as well as their family and friends, the chance to meet and chat while accessing support in an informal setting.

To allow working people to be able to attend, it is scheduled to start at 5.30pm and last until 7pm at The Ladybird Tea Room on the town's East Vennel.

The charity is hoping to make it a regular gathering with a café event on the last Wednesday of each month.

The idea comes from Parkinson's UK volunteer David Allan, who was diagnosed with the disease seven years ago while he was still in his 40s.

He said: "Parkinson's can happen to adults at any age, but it can be really hard for those of us who are diagnosed at younger ages because the condition is so strongly associated with older people.

"We are at a different stage in our lives, and often have different issues to deal with alongside our Parkinson's."

"We know that some people, particularly those recently diagnosed, are reluctant to join formal support groups, and people of working age are more likely to be juggling employment, family and other commitments that make it hard to get to activities during the day."

David added: "The café is an informal social gathering in an attractive and accessible venue that's open for anyone of working age with Parkinson's and their family and friends.

"There'll be a wide range of Parkinson's information available including details of the local support on offer.

"Please come and join us – you're guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome."

It is hoped that Shona Lawson, Parkinson's local adviser for Falkirk, and Jenny Willmott, Parkinson's local adviser for Stirling and Clackmannanshire, will be on hand to offer information and advice

Alison Turner, owner of The Ladybird, said she is always keen to support charitable endeavours and was delighted to host the event at the bright and welcoming tea room.

She told the Advertiser: "Absolutely happy [to get involved] because we are supporting people who might have a need for this kind of environment that's quiet, safe, it's quite easily accessible and it's also nice to give something to the community that's needed."

For more information, contact organisers by emailing daallan@gmail.com