Fibromyalgia Support Group for Surrey and Sussex

New Venue for Surrey Meetings
by Stella Bernardi

11th February 2008 saw the first meeting of the FMS SAS Group to be held at St. Mary's Community Hall, Church Road, Long Ditton. Led by Lynn Diggins it was attended by eight members, Jo Fisher, my self and the speaker Philippa Palmer-Hawes. The DVD "Show me where it Hurts" was shown as an introduction. Jo and I were late arriving having been delayed by traffic hold-ups and misdirection by the sat nav! The journey that should have been undertaken in less than an hour took us two and a half hours!!! The cup of tea that welcomed us was much appreciated. The speaker, a masseusse, explained how gentle massage can help fibromyalgia patients by improving the blood circulation, aiding digestion, toning the muscles and in fact serving as an exercise programme in itself. She recommended monthly treatments and is willing to visit clients in their own homes.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday 10th March from 11am - 1pm in the same place. The speaker on that occasion will be Dr. Mike Nicholls, the newest member of the Trustee Board. Mike also works for the West Sussex EESI project (Effective Efficient Supported Independence), in the voluntary sector. His talk will be aimed at finding out what members find most useful in the Group and what, if anything we may have in common with other groups e.g. Arthritis Care, ME etc. Mike has been leading similar discussions at our meetings in Worthing and Crawley over the last two months, gathering information which will help to shape the future direction and development of the group for the benefit of the members.

There will be a very warm welcome for newcomers to the group at future meetings. Further information can be obtained by phoning the helpline 01403 255450.