Fibromyalgia Support Group for Surrey and Sussex

World Fibromyalgia Awareness Day

12th May 2006 - Coffee Morning held at the Millennium Hall, Roffey
by Stella Bernardi

Despite being arranged at rather short notice this event was a great success. About 60 people attended, not only to drink coffee but to learn more about Fibromyalgia and how it can be treated. The event was chaired by Jo Fisher the Co-ordinator who welcomed all in attendance with special mention of Jean Burnham the Chairman of Horsham District Council.

The first talk was about the Expert Patients Programme (EPP), Living Well Course, with a Power Point presentation.

The Speaker was Ember Vinccent who explained how those with long term disabilities help others to learn to live with their disabilities. Details of the scheme and it's courses can be found on the EPP website. The local courses can also be found on this site on the Events Page under Available Courses.

Nichola Johnson had the opportunity to speak briefly about her work with the Patient Advice Liasion Service (PALS). For more information about that see here.

Next came the showing of the DVD that Jo and Jeanne brought back from the FAME Conference in America. Called “Fibromyalgia – Show Me Where It Hurts”. A review of this can been seen here.

Sheila Mayo, who is an Arts Therapist spoke about her 40 years experience in this occupation and how many of her students had 'found themselves' through her Arts classes. She is planning a course of weekly sessions for Fibromites, starting on Thusday 18th May at her home studio in Horsham. See the Events Page and go to 'Available Classes'. Anyone interested in attending should contact Jo - 01403 255450.

I gave a short talk about the benefits of yoga. I have attended classes since Jan 2005 and found them very beneficial. Proper breathing plays a large part in yoga exercises which can be transposed to everyday tasks to make them easier. Classes are held in Horsham on Fridays from 10.15-11.15 at the Unitarian Church Hall in Worthing Road opposite the Bus Station. For more information see here. Classes are also held in Worthing and Chichester. See the Events Page and go to 'Available Classes'.

A mammoth Raffle was held and I think everyone present got at least one prize.

Drinks and refreshments were available throughout - there were convenient breaks between speakers!

There was a table full of free literature for anyone to help themselves.

Also in attendance were representatives of A & K Mobility Aids who had a stall in the adjoining patio.