A friendly support and self-help group, we get together to raise our spirits and well being by chatting with other sufferers of Fibromyalgia (FM) chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic Encephalopathy ME (and other pain related problems). The group is led by member’s needs and requirements, not by speeches or lectures (although the group might decide once in a while to invite a speaker). We are
very informal, positive and non-judgemental, and most members come to chat over coffee about whatever topic they please. It is a good way to make some new friends and to talk to others who may be going through something similar to yourself. Of course it is a big step to come to a group and meet new people, especially when you are feeling poorly, but you will be made so welcome, and it often helps to chat to others who are in the same position as you. It can also help with the guilt and isolation, plus we are all friends that you have yet to meet! If you are shy or nervous, you are welcome to phone when you arrive outside the building for the first meeting, and one of us will pop out and say ‘Hi’ before you come in, so you are not on your own. We always have a laugh despite our illnesses - we are not a miserable group! What have you got to lose?? Carers are not forgotten – we have information that can help them too. We hold weekly meetings each Wednesday in Highbridge (after the first meeting a small donation is requested towards room rent). We start at 11:45am (to allow us time to have soup (or bring your own sandwiches), along with tea and coffee and a chat, before starting the meeting), and finish around 3pm. You can find us at Gospel Tabernacle Evangelical Church, The Gospel Centre, Old Burnham Road, Highbridge, TA9 3JG. As part of supporting each other, we share a What’s App Chat, which is only for current members, to share a joke or problem, or just be in contact – even yell for help when needed! For the less technologically minded, we have some members who can help with this very simple set up onto a suitable mobile phone, and for peace of mind these chats are encrypted by the app, so only members of the chat can see anything. We also have outings (tailored to our capabilities), and hold occasional public Awareness Days. We also have a page (Fibro And ME), to introduce the group to the public and to keep us all informed about upcoming events. Contact Paul, phone number is 07740605507 or fibroandmegroup@gmail.com
If you have CFS, M.E or FM, or any similar problem, please remember that you do NOT have to suffer alone.
