Resource Centre Users

FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT NORTH DOWN

Fibromyalgia is a chronic life long condition characterised by muscle pain and chronic fatigue accompanied by a variety of other symptoms. In 1995, when little was known about the condition, a few sufferers frustrated by the lack of help available formed Fibromyalgia Support North Down (FSND).

The group aimed to offer support and advice to other sufferers in North Down and Ards . They also hoped to inform the wider public about Fibromyalgia. Eleven years on and group membership is around 70 run by a committee of 8 volunteers. Group activities include monthly meetings offering a mix of informative and social/recreational activities and informal get-togethers each month. Members can also participate in weekly hydrotherapy classes run by a qualified physiotherapist. There is also a lending library with relevant and up to date information on Fibromyalgia.

In the past eight months FSND has begun a close working relationship with North Down Community Network. Committee meetings are also held monthly in the Resource Centre and Greg Martin, Community Development and Health Worker, was recently co-opted on to FSND’s committee in a non-voting capacity. The support of NDCN has been invaluable and has allowed the current committee to take forward a number of new ideas.

The group is very active and in the past 6 months, in addition to their regular meetings, they have organised a coffee morning and sale, a bus trip, and a table quiz. They also devote a lot of time to raising funds and in the past year have been awarded grants from the VSB, the Ulster Bank, Four Acre Trust and the John Henderson Group.

On Thursday 16th November the group is re-launching itself under a new name- Fibromyalgia Support North Down and Ards (FSNDA). The new name us a more accurate reflection of the geographical spread of the membership who come from Holywood, Bangor, Comber, Ards and the coastal towns of Down and the Ards peninsula. To mark the launch of the FSNDA the group is holding an awareness event at North Down Resource Centre. This will start with a balloon release at around 3.30pm and guests are then invited to join the committee for some light refreshments. All are welcome.

For more information on the event or the Support Group phone
028 9146 1386 or email fsnda@hotmail.co.uk