Unfortunately, these conditions are often known as invisible illnesses, as many with Fibromyalgia and ME often look well, so some people dismiss any symptoms out of hand. AFMCG hopes that by joining the group that members find talking with those who understand helps. Families welcome to join too.
About Us
AFMCG was founded in 2012 and is a group for those living with Fibromyalgia and ME who need to talk to others that understand the debilitating symptoms and the impact it has on daily life.
Living with chronic pain and fatigue (mental and physical exhaustion) plus many other symptoms can mean daily activities that a healthy person takes for granted are considerably more difficult.
Therefore, acceptance and adjusting to this change can be distressing without support, advice and up–to-date
Why we started ......
Founder Emma Jefferies realised that Andover lacked support for those living with FMS & ME. Previously, a qualified Staff Nurse, graduating in 2003 from Thames Valley University (now University of London) She worked on the wards for 4 years before finally leaving in 2007 after experiencing symptoms of FMS for 1 year.
After a few years struggling with health issues, she managed to gain moderate control of the symptoms to an optimum level and quality of life but no where near how a healthy person would be.
Having a desire to talk to others with Fibromyalgia, she decided she would start a Facebook page to see how many people make contact - the answer was absolutely loads!
So, the Chatterbook Facebook group page made as somewhere to 'chatter' on the 'book' (Facebook) soon became a much larger group (now Andover
Fibromyalgia & ME Community Group)
It became obvious members needed a group where we could met up and a place to talk in confidence.
Andover needed
a more established support group for people living with Fibromyalgia & M.E Coomunity Group - AFMCG was founded
in memory her late father, Stanley.
As well as starting the group, Emma volunteered with FibroAction for 3 years as their Administrator before their merger with Fibromyalgia Association UK (now Fibromyalgia Action UK) where she advised many people and ran their HealthUnlocked community of 18k people.
Due to a recent deterioration in Emma's health, it has been difficult to keep the same level of support
going over recent months. We hope to recruit more volunteers to help run the group and make a difference to the lives of those living with FMS & ME.
Aims
- The purpose of this group is to provide information and to share each other experiences of living with Fibromyalgia & M.E
- To provide meetings that are safe place to discuss living with FMS/ME in a non-judgmental environment.
- We aim to provide all members with relevant information or signpost them to other organisations for help/advice.
- To encourage members to use our HealthUnlocked community forum to support each other between meetings.
- To provide meetings for members of families/carers that care for people living with Fibromyalgia & M.E to support each other
- We aim to help members who are housebound / bedbound to access the information they need
- To encourage members to be pro-active about their individual Healthcare need
- To promote an atmosphere whereby members actively support one another.
AFMCG Guidelines
Impressum
Any SHARE or LIKE from any of our social media accounts does not necessarily mean we endorse the post or it's content. AFMCG is not responsible for any third party websites found from visiting our website or any of our social media accounts.
Governance
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Objectives
- AFMCG main aim is to bring the Andover community who live with Fibromyalgia & ME and their families together to support one another.
- AFMCG aim to raise awareness within the Andover community about Fibromyalgia and/or Myalgic Encephomyelitis.
- AFMCG aim to fundraise to provide practical help that may have therapeutic benefits, and therefore may help alleviate some of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia & M.E
Information & Support
- We aim to provide Regular Monthly Meetings *****currently postponed***** Check out our blog for further information
- Free membership (small charge for membership card and £1 subs at meetings is desired)
- Online confidential chat on AFMCG HealthUnlocked online community
- Information on Fibromyalgia & ME & many associated illnesses (Leaflets & Publications provided from charities)
- Signposting to Support Networks & Organisations for Advice
- AFMCG Library built up by donated books (lending books to members for free)
Mission Statement
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Come join us and share pictures about Fibromyalgia & ME - everyone welcome!
Keep up-to-date with AFMCG news by following our blog !
