Falkirk Fibromyalgia support group marks awareness month with special events

What began as a coffee and chat has grown into a fortnightly support group, and the Falkirk Fibro Support Group is now looking to engage with more people across the local area who may be living with fibromyalgia or supporting someone who is.

The group will be hosting a charity stall at Morrisons in Falkirk on Thursday, May 15, running from 10am until 3pm, which will give shoppers the chance to grab some fibro support aids, designed to make life a little bit easier for people living with the condition.

That will be followed by an open day on Tuesday, May 19, taking place in the Morrisons community room in Falkirk from 11am until 1pm.

People are encouraged to head along and join a relaxed and welcoming meet up where anyone affected by fibromyalgia can chat with people with similar experiences while also learning more about the condition and how to help with pain management.

No two people with fibromyalgia have the same symptoms, each member of the group can be affected in different ways, whether it’s extreme fatigue or widespread pain, the fortnightly group meet up ensures that everyone who attends can feel supported.

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes widespread pain and extreme tiredness, and can have a significant impact on daily life.

Group organiser Lyndsay Needham from Hallglen said: “We can be in bed for an entire day and wake up feeling exhausted, and have to ‘prepare’ in advance to do a task that the average person doesn’t think twice about, regularly having the clear the following day’s schedule following its completion.”

Lyndsay, aged 45, has also encouraged family members, friends and carers of people who battle fibromyalgia to pop along to either event.

She said: “Despite each person battling different symptoms, it's a positive space and a great way to talk to people who understand what you're going through.

"From a coffee shop catch up to a fortnightly support group, Falkirk Fibromyalgia Support Group has now been held in Morrisons community room for nearly four years, and I want to thank the local community for their help.

"We regularly have guest speakers at our events, we take part in workshops, and businesses in the area such as Comfort Catering at 4 Coo Wynd provide us with food and refreshments.

"Our group numbers are constantly growing at every meet up and we want to make sure we can reach out to as many people as possible.”

For more information about the Falkirk Fibro Support Group and the work Lyndsay does in the community, visit the Facebook page or email [email protected].