There are a number of fibromyalgia support groups within or close to Surrey and Sussex. These are listed on the Meetings Page of this web site. You would be welcome at any of the meetings.
If there isn't a support group near you, why not start one? It can be very informal to begin with. Start simple and see how it develops!
Jeanne Hambleton, Co-Chair of FMSSAS is also the Regional Co-ordinator of FMA UK. She will be very willing to give you any help you need. You can contact her by phone 0845 345 5997 or by email.
FMSSAS will allocate £50 to a new group to cover set-up costs and up to £250 to help with the organisation of an Awareness Day event. An Application Form is available as a .pdf file or as a Word .doc.
FMA UK (Fibromyalgia Association, UK) produce an excellent folder of information, tips and tricks to get you started. The FMA UK website is www.fmauk.org. You can ask Jeanne about the starter folder.
FMA UK allows you to run your group independently giving you control over how the group is run.
The other items that FMA UK provide is a free 0844 telephone number which allows newly diagnosed fibromites to call Group Leaders at low cost to find out more about the meetings.
FMA UK also supplies valuable insurance for the group and events. You also get guidances about the all important constitution which is needed when you start your group and is required should you apply for grant funding to any organisation.
Fibromyalgia-Support offers some advice on starting a group
here.
Another publication, a Starter Kit, produced by FM Network can be downloaded here. Although American it has many ideas that can be used or adapted in the UK. Do view the FMNetwork site.
Once they are established we will advertise your new groups on our Meetings Page and on the Calendar. Just notify the Webmistress. You will also be able to advertise at Fibromyalgia-Support.
Buy-at the FMS SAS on-line shop.
