NMEC The National M.E. Centre - And Centre For Fatigue Syndromes Chronic Fatigue Syndromes

Support Groups


Support Group Meetings For People With CFS/ME and their Carers


The NMEC has a group which meets informally each month

It is held in the Conference Room of the DSC building on the first Tuesday of each month between 1 pm and 3 pm.

We understand it can be hard to walk into a room of new people. One of our current members would be happy to meet you informally before a meeting for a cup of tea and a chat about how the group runs.

If you would like to receive more information on the group click here, print out the form, complete and return to:

Eileen Forrest c/o National ME Centre

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Dates for 2010:

No January Meeting 6 July
2 February 3 August
2 March 7 September
6 April 5 October
4 May 2 November
1 June 7 December


Stretch and Relax Sessions

The group has been meeting monthly since January 2004. The sessions are facilitated by Specialist Support Worker and qualified Hatha Yoga Tutor, Sue Chadwick. There is a nominal charge of £4 paid on attendance only. Before attending a new participant must complete a questionnaire and disclaimer and receive a General Advice sheet. This is available from Eileen Forrest, Support Group Co-ordinator or Sue Chadwick through the Centre.

Blankets, cushions and mats are provided. Most stretches and movements are lying on the floor, some are seated on a chair and some standing. The session always begins with a short relaxation and ends with 'breathing practice', followed by a longer session of relaxation.

Blankets, cushions and mats are provided. Most stretches and movements are lying on the floor, some are seated on a chair and some standing. The session always begins with a short relaxation and ends with 'breathing practice', followed by a longer session of relaxation.

Some attend regularly but others due to the fluctuating nature of CFS/ME find regular attendance difficult. Both needs can be accommodated within the group.

The benefits that some have mentioned are:

1. Generally regaining confidence in using their body. (Something that some individuals hadn't realised they'd lost!!).

2. Improvement in the range of movements, muscle strength and tone.

3. Improvement in concentration and co-ordination.

4. Awareness of poor posture.

5. Awareness of areas of held tension and poor breathing habits.

6. Awareness of how anxiety and breathing patterns are linked.

A facilitator seems to be appreciated to limit and guide individuals so that they are less likely to overdo things! A better quality and depth of relaxation occurs in these sessions for most individuals, perhaps because they are out of their own environment.

These sessions are usually on the third Thursday beginning at 2.00-3.15 pm. However, the group have the Conference Room, in the DSC between 1.30 - 3.30 pm which allows time each side of the hour for socialising.

Dates for 2010

21 January (cancelled)
18 February
18 March
15 April
20 May
17 June
15 July
19 August
16 September
21 October
18 November
16 December