I am, YOU are, together, We are.....More Than Fibro. That's why I am starting an organisation to support people living with Fibromyalgia. I have 13 years experience living with the syndrome and 3 years experience working with fellow Fibromites.

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome of the Central Nervous System, most commonly caused by trauma. Symptoms include widespread pain, muscle spasms, fatigue, bowel and bladder issues, anxiety and depression. In fact, there are 200 possible symptoms and overlapping conditions so its no wonder the syndrome can have devastating effects on a sufferers life, it affects work, family, friendships, and relationships, causing sufferers to become very isolated.

In my experience working within the Fibromyalgia community there are two things I feel the community wants. Community support, support meetings in their area where they can learn about the syndrome, learn about self management and meet others living with the syndrome who understand how they are feeling.

A unique benefit support service to assist with identifying benefits they may be eligible for, assistance to complete the forms, support with face to face consultations, mandatory reconsiderations and tribunals. Over the past 2 years I have set up and run a highly successful service doing exactly this, I trained with Citizens Advice Bureau and also feel that living with the syndrome allows me a unique ability to connect and understand the support needed.

I intend to launch two Glasgow based meetings and one in North Lanarkshire initially, and a benefit support service. Unfortunately this has costs attached to get it off the ground, things are tough in the current climate and we all need a little more support than usual, please help me provide that.