Selby and area Fibromyalgia and chronic illness support group has been running for a number of successful years, bringing together those who suffer with fibromyalgia, MS, Lupus and other chronic pain conditions. It's a warm friendly group which provides a platform for making new friends, forming new support networks aswell as providing a wealth of essential information.

With the rise in social media, face to face social networks are breaking down with a high percentage of over 60s now becoming more socially isolated. A growing number of young disabled individuals are becoming increasingly dependent upon social media for social interaction and information. The fact that social isolation influences an individuals health outcomes, is concerning especially in individuals who already have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions. Given this, reducing issolation is integral to the wellbeing of any individual suffering from any debilitating chronic pain condition.

The  fibro group brings together both the young and the old in a safe, welcoming environment. These get togethers will enable those with minimal social contact to develop relationships with others in the group and within their own villages. The aim will be to reduce loneliness, provide a listening ear and support. Promote lifelong friendships and support networks, aswell as to share their health experiences, and encourage the incentive to meet up outside of these get togethers. 

Having spoken to some of the group members, it is becoming apparent that many struggle with lonelines. As the group grows, theres an increasing need to hire a venue which has full disabled access to allows members to meet socially on a weekly basis. Having a venue which meets it's members needs will ensure that there is a welcoming space where those impacted by a chronic pain condition Can meet for a tea and coffee morning, offering peer to peer support, friendship and advice. Those who are socially isolated rely on this group and look forward to these meeting. Having the groups own space will also afford us with a venue to hold therapeutic sessions aswell as being able to invite along guest speakers and therapists.....

We presently have 165 members in the Selby and local area. At present without hiring a venue we are dependent upon local cafes which sadly cannot facilitate our groups size or individual disabled requirements.

I do hope you can support us.