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DEVON AND TORBAY FIBROMYALGIA
SUPPORT GROUP
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS
Group meets on the last Friday of the month at 7pm at:
THE CHADWELL CENTER
TORQUAY ROAD
PAIGNTON
By the Disability Information Centre.
Car Parking Available
Contact:
Rhona MacCorin 01803 404005
Email:
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
Each Member & Visitor is responsible
For their own safety and possessions
What is A Support Group?
A Support Group is:
- A place to go for information about fibromyalgia;
- A gathering of people who share a common bond – the challenge of coping with FMS and all its effects on their lives;
- A place where members can be assured of confidentiality;
- A group of special friends who are good listeners and care about you;
- A place where you can laugh at the ridiculous side of fibromyalgia, without being considered ‘odd’ or ‘unfeeling’;
- A place to receive reassurance, comfort, friendship and social support;
- An inexpensive sharing experience;
- A place to give and receive strength and understanding.
A Support Group is Not:
- A therapy group;
- Large (if it is too big, there can be no dialogue): if a group grows too big, consider splitting it in two;
- A casual gabfest (support groups meet at regular specified times for a specific purpose) a social gathering (although socialization is a benefit).
- A lecture or program led by specialists (although professionals may attend and contribute from time to time).
Basic Needs of Support Group Members
- A sense of safety in the group.
- Acceptance by the group.
- Recognition – a chance to contribute to the group.
- Self-worth – group values each member.
- Empowerment – each member can share in decision-making.
Membership – Why bother?
- Membership fees make it possible to help all those who call seeking help.
- Your fees will enable a group or association to undertake some or all of the following activities. Every one of these will be of benefit to you in some way, either directly or by educating the public and health professionals about fibromyalgia.
- Producing material that will help you and your family
- Understand your illness;
- Raising public awareness of fibromyalgia;
- Raising doctors’ and other health professionals awareness of fibromyalgia;
- Covering the cost of speakers;
- Funding a hotline for people who are in crisis and need immediate support (volunteer-run);
- Outreach to help children and young people who have fibromyalgia;
- Producing helpful educational materials; supplying support groups with lending libraries;
- Networking with other related organisations;
- Reaching other people who have fibromyalgia;
- Searching for grants to help support country-wide programs.
TERRIFIC TIPS FOR SHARING IN A SUPPORT GROUP
- Please use “I” statements, or “have you thought of” statements, not “you should” statements.
- Share only what you are comfortable with sharing – you have the right to “pass”.
- One conversation at a time.
- What is shared in the group stays in the group.
- We can share our stories without comparing our pain.
- Be tolerant of differences and aware of the things you have in common.
- Respect others’ rights to time – and do not monopolize conversation.
- Meeting are not a time for expounding personal philosophies or theories.
- Share, but try not to give advice.
- Feelings are neither good nor bad – they just are.
- No one can solve someone else’s problems – do not try. Just listen and share.
PREPARING FOR A VISIT TO A FAMILY DOCTOR
- What are your expectations of this visit?
- What are your ideas about what is wrong with you?
- What are your feelings about your condition?
- What are its effects on your daily functioning?
- Be prepared to explain what problem you want dealt with today.
- Be prepared to set goals trying to solve the problem.
- Be prepared to explain what role you want the doctor to take in the solution, and what role you want to play.
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Copyright©2005 Our FM/CFIDS World, Organization. All rights reserved.
The ongoing business of Chronic Fatigue Research France, Inc. is possible by the public in monetary donations and website sponsorship. Our bills are very few, therefore most of our donations will be sent to aide in the awareness, and research for Fibromyalgia and CFIDS cause, treatment and cure.
Any donations to or fundraising receipts received by Chronic Fatigue Research France, Inc. are not used for personal gain by anyone who is a member of the board of directors or the volunteers of Chronic Fatigue Research France, Inc.
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