A new service for Huntington’s NSW ACT.
Huntington’s NSW ACT was established in 1975 to develop support and educational programs for people affected by Huntington’s disease (HD) in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. They help families understand and copy with Huntington’s disease, and give families affected by HD a strong united voice.
What is Huntington’s Disease?
Huntington’s disease is a genetic neurodegenerative condition that affects the brain and nervous system. It can cause three types of symptoms including:
Involuntary movements, which can lead to problems with balance, walking and functioning;
Cognitive (or ‘Thinking’) symptoms, which can reduce a person’s memory impacting their ability to plan and multi-task; as well as impacting their ability to reason;
Behavioural symptoms, which can be seen as personality changes and/or actions that are out of character.
Each person with HD is affected differently.
HD symptoms commonly appear in a person between the ages of 35 and 50, but it’s possible for them to appear at any age. There is currently no cure.
Huntington’s NSW ACT was looking to establish a new counselling service at the beginning of 2023, and The Co-Group was delighted to be able to assist with the funding for this service.
Huntington’s NSW ACT was able to hire Julie Leto as their Specialist Counsellor earlier this year, and they have 14 referrals so far.
As this service is still in the early stages, we look forward to hearing about the wonderful support Julie has been able to provide to Huntington’s NSW ACT clients.
