About Us
It is an independent registered charity, run by volunteers, whose aim is to help improve the quality of life for all ME sufferers, their families and carers.
The group actively campaigns for improved services for all sufferers, e.g. NHS and statutory benefits.
Membership
Membership is open to anyone living in Stockport and the surrounding areas who has ME/PVFS/CFS (whether diagnosis has been confirmed or not) or to their family/partner/carer - or anybody else who is sympathetic to the aims of the Group.
There is a small annual subscription, however, free membership is available for anyone who cannot afford to pay.
Membership Benefits
Parents' Group
- for those whose children have the illness. It offers moral support and advice on available (and tried) therapies, home tuition and special examination arrangements.
NHS Services
In August 2004, Stockport Primary Care Trust took over Stockport ME Group's unique National Lottery funded ME Outreach Nurse Service.
Ask your GP to refer you to the CFS/ME Multidisciplinary team for support and advice on self-management and symptomatic control. This multidisciplinary team offers group management courses, individual home and clinic sessions. The team cover the following areas:
• Stockport PCT
Tel: 0161 426 5481
The YPG
I am Fiona and it has been a pleasure to run the YPG for nearly two years now. During this time, I have met and chatted to so many people with ME/CFS. The YPG has 36 people, who are of various severities. It has been nice to keep in contact with Jenny and Hayley who did so much for the group in the past.
For anybody thinking of joining the YPG, you will be more than welcome. There are few restrictions, only that everybody is a paid up member of the main Stockport ME group and aged eighteen or above. If you are worried you may be too old, you might be pleasantly surprised to find you are not.
One aspect I really value is the sharing of information. While people's situations vary, there is always common ground with regards to passing on information regarding symptoms, research and campaigns.
At our monthly socials, we have an upbeat atmosphere, talking about ME and non-ME related matters. The members really look forward to meeting up, finding it a boost to morale.
We mainly meet on a weekday evening in Hazel Grove, Cheadle, Cheadle Hulme and Didsbury. However we are always open to new suggestions and some afternoon socials have taken place.
We aim to keep the cost down by enjoying “early bird” offers, where most meals are under £10. Some meals may be subsidised. We aim for good, but quiet locations, avoid late nights and there is no obligation to drink alcohol.
On average 6 members enjoy monthly socials. Popular events have been pub visits and meals to Chinese and Indian restaurants. We sometimes play a game of pool, or see the latest film at the cinema. A highlight is the festive meal to the John Millington in Cheadle Hulme, where we also have "Secret Santa" gifts.
Do please take a look at the “forum” and consider joining. There is a YPG section where we can post ideas regarding new venues of socials. There are other benefits of being able to view back issues of the HERMES newsletter and other information only available via the forum, and being a paid up member of the Stockport ME Group.
As always you will receive a newsletter, which is mainly to give plenty of notice for the date/venue of the forthcoming socials. This should aid in your planning and pacing. Either Andrew or Giles will do a phone round so we know who to expect. So thank you both for your commitment. The reminders have a dual purpose of keeping in contact, to see how the members are. Therefore any new members have had some contact, before going on any socials.
Do contact me at
if you wish to be added or removed from the YPG database.
Kind regards.
Fiona
Parents' Group
Stockport ME Group runs a Parents' Group to support those whose children have ME/CFS. This is a difficult illness for anyone to cope with, but it can be particularly hard for children and young people. As parents we all want the best for our children and to have a child with ME/CFS can sometimes be overwhelming. Sometimes you may feel you are fighting single-handed to find out what is wrong with your child, but you are not alone.
ME affects as many as 25,000 children in the UK from all social and ethnic groups. Most young people develop the illness between the ages of 10 and 18, but children as young as five have been diagnosed.
In January 2002 the government's Chief Medical Officer of Health stated that ME/CFS is a real and debilitating illness. There is evidence that the illness can be triggered by infections, toxins, life events, immunisations, physical injuries, and/or operations.
Symptoms can be categorised into four areas:
Fatigue: This is totally different from normal tiredness.
Neurological: Poor memory, difficulty with word finding and thinking. Balance problems.
Pain: Particularly headaches and intense muscle pain.
Sensitivity: Light and noise are painful. Sometimes there is sensitivity to food and drugs.
SMEG Parents' Group offers moral support to parents of children and young adults, as well as advice on available (and tried) therapies, home tuition and special examination arrangements. The group also arranges speakers with expertise in the treating of children with ME/CFS.
Contacts
Here are the e-mail contacts for our group.
Mobility
Walking stick/seat
The extra aid to getting out and about
The sticks provide a steadying aid and support whilst
walking, then they fold out to form a substantial seat to sit on. They are
lightweight yet strong enough to take anyone up to 23 ½ stones.
There are two designs:-
Popular Maxi Seat Height 18 in / 460 mm 22.5 in / 575 mm Walking Height 33 in / 840 mm 33 in / 840 mm Approx weight 27oz / 750gm 29 oz / 810 gm
The popular model can be made shorter with the seat lower
and the maxi can be made longer with the seat remaining at the same height (ie.
just the walking height increased).
These sticks are available to SMEG members at the price of
£23 each. (This is virtually trade price.) Members may have seen similar
products at much the same price or even slightly cheaper, however experience
has proved that these are of inferior quality and neither so sturdy or durable.
Recommendation comes from numerous previous purchasers.
Several say “I would never go anywhere without it”, some are even
internationally travelled. Indeed our own previous chairman took his
sightseeing around Scotland with him recently.
To order please contact Kareen on 0161 427 5532.
The following list of recommended sites for "Gadgets & Gizmos" is taken from "InterAction" Spring 2008 published by Action for M.E. Action for M.E.
Borders Independent Living
Active Mobility
Lakeland
Voice recognition equipment
Mobilty Scooters Plus
Mobility Direct
Ability Net
CFS/ME tips
Cold Hands & Feet?
Muscle and/or Joint Pains?
Keep losing your balance?
Can't stand to do the chores?
Severe Headaches?
Weak Arm and Leg Muscles?
Sudden mood changes?
Dizzy at the toilet?
Breathing Problems?
Sensitive to light?
Sensitive to noise?
Problems with the gut?
Sleep problems?
Memory got lost?
Boredom?
Need more tips?
www.metips.co.uk
www.mechat.co.uk
Helplines
0845 123 2390
The above number is a CFS/ME helpline provided by Action for M.E. and the NHS.
It is available Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
This CFS/ME helpline is run by trained telephone workers who understand the illness.
The service is free, you pay just for the cost of the call.
The helpline is for people living in Greater Manchester.
Websites:
Action for M.E.
NHS
Links
The following are links to websites that have information regarding CFS/ME
Bury/Bolton ME/CFS Support Group
Association of Young People with ME
Monthly Meetings
9th July 2010
The Toby Carvery (formerly the Rudyard Hotel)
For a map of the location click here
Doors Open: 10.30 a.m. Speaker: 11.00 a.m.
Admission £1.00
Please remember not to wear any perfumes, or aftershave to meetings for the sake of the many of us who are sensitive to these things.
The Toby Carvery (formerly the Rudyard Hotel)
For a map of the location click here
Doors Open: 10.30 a.m. Speaker: 11.00 a.m.
Admission £1.00
Please remember not to wear any perfumes, or aftershave to meetings for the sake of the many of us who are sensitive to these things.
YPG Meetings/Socials
Tuesday 13th July 2010
"The Phoenix Pub"
14 London Road
Opposite Sainsbury's
Meet: 7.30 p.m.
This venue will be known to many of the YPG members and it’s a nice place to meet up for another drink and catch up again.
http://www.gkpubs.co.uk/hazel-grove/phoenix
You can sign up for a free drink via their website. This is a beer, wine or coke or lemonade! (Fill in your details and then you get an e-mail with a link for your coupon which has an expiry in a couple of weeks).
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Monday 16th August 2010
"The Gourmet Burger Kitchen"
651 Wilmslow Rd,
Meet: 7.15 p.m. for a 7.30 meal
http://www.vouchercodes.co.uk/gbkinfo.com
This venue is situated a couple of doors down from Café Rouge, near the clock tower in Didsbury. There are a few disabled parking spaces on Wilmslow Road otherwise there is a public car park behind these buildings. If you are parking here, don’t forget to check the parking regulations as I wouldn’t want anybody to get a parking ticket!
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Tuesday 7th September 2010
"Evening Social"
Hazel Grove Snooker Club Snooker & Pool Centres
Join us for a game of pool. If you don’t fancy a game, just join us for a chat and a laugh. Bar snacks are available. This venue is accessible and has a car park.
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Monday 27th September 2010
"The Phoenix Pub"
14 London Road
Opposite Sainsbury's
Meet: 7.30 p.m.
This venue will be known to many of the YPG members and it’s a nice place to meet up for another drink and catch up again.
http://www.gkpubs.co.uk/hazel-grove/phoenix
You can sign up for a free drink via their website. This is a beer, wine or coke or lemonade! (Fill in your details and then you get an e-mail with a link for your coupon which has an expiry in a couple of weeks).
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Tuesday 19th October 2010
"The Governors House"
43 Ravenoak Road,
7pm.
The address is situated by a mini-roundabout at the junction of Ravenoak Road, Church Road and Ack Lane West. This venue does two meals for £10. I will book to be sure we get a nice table, all seated together. There is ample parking.
Ironically last time we didn’t eat here because they were re-fitting the kitchen, so we went to the Church Inn instead! I am sure we will make it this time instead.
Meditation
SMEG MEDITATION CLASSES 2010
Tutor: Sarah Lionheart
Time: Thursdays - 1.00 to 3.00 p.m.
Venue: Quaker Meeting House
For a map of the location click here
Cost: £2.00 per week for SMEG Members
Classes are suitable for beginners, as well as those with more experience.
Meditation practice is done in short sessions, with a break for lunch in the middle of the class. There is plenty of discussion time and a lot of laughter. The group is very friendly, welcoming and supportive.
Drinks are provided, but please bring your own lunch.
If you would like to know more/join the class please contact:
Outline of a usual meditation class
The length of meditation practice varies between 10 and 20 minutes.
Neuro-physiotherapy
RECRUITING NOW! For JANUARY 2009 - MANCHESTER PCT AREA
TEN WEEK PHYSIOTHERAPY GROUP MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME
At the request of Stockport PCT we are running four courses led by Tina Betts, our very experienced CFS/ME neuro-physiotherapist. The first held in Stockport finished in July.
The course run for ten weeks x 1.5 hours with a follow up session after three months.
The aim is to help people with long term CFS/ME to increase their activity levels, improve mobility, posture and stamina by providing expert advice, motivation and encouragement. There will also be the opportunity to develop individual exercise programmes, where appropriate.
The courses are not suitable for people still in the acute stage of CFS/ME or with serious walking difficulties.
Due to Stockport PCT’s funding, the courses are free of charge.
We are now actively recruiting for the course to be held in Manchester in January. It is open to all adults with CFS/ME living in the Manchester PCT area, not just to SMEG members. So if you know of anyone who could be interested do let them know.
For further details/to apply please contact
Disclaimer
Stockport ME Group do not advocate the use of any particular form of healthcare but believe information should be made available. The use of any information is entirely at the user's own risk. Stockport ME Group Management, volunteers and employees are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences.
A GP/Consultant's advice should be obtained before under-taking any treatment. Stockport ME Group are not responsible for the content of any external websites that are linked to or from this website.
Help for people with CFS/ME in and around Stockport
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Young Persons' Group
- for sufferers in their late teens to thirties. Through regular meetings, telephone and e-mail this group offers friendship, information and support.
• Oldham PCT
• Manchester PCT
:)
www.bordersindependentliving.co.uk
Tel: 01432 368202
www.activemobility.co.uk
Tel: 01642 805050
www.lakeland.co.uk
Tel: 01539 488100
Small slow cooker, also useful gadets for opening ring pull cans.
www.nuance.co.uk
or
www.amazon.co.uk
www.mobilityscootersplus.com
Tel: 0800 316 6717
www.mobility-direct.co.uk
Tel: 0800 023 1240
www.abilitynet.org.uk
Tel: 0800 269545
Charity that gives impartial advice on equipment and helps people adapt their technology.
Try thermal socks and gloves, and a woolly hat.
Have a warm bath or shower - with somebody to help. Use a microwave hottie. Try deep relaxation; gentle massage. For neck and shoulders, dry heat, hair dryer, warm wheat bag; high back chair/recliner with shaped neck cushion.
Try a walking stick. Hold on to the furniture.
Sit down. Use a stool. Only iron essentials. Bulk cook and freeze. Invest in a microwave
or dishwasher. Try small rechargeable vacuum cleaner. Get someone else to do it.
Drink more fluids. Consider sensitivity to cigarettes and alcohol, tea, coffee or cola,
and even chocolate.
Use mechanical aids e.g. electric tin opener, hands free telephone. Consider changing
to a car with automatic gear box/power steering, or use a neighbour as a chauffeur.
Eat little and often (2 hourly) - could be low blood sugar.
For men - always sit down.
Could be an allergy - house dust mite, pet's flea powder, certain foods, perfume, paint
and even washing powder.
Wear dark glasses or floppy hat; fit low wattage light bulbs.
Tell the kids to turn it down, or use earplugs. Change to quiet phone tone. Avoid crowds if
you can.
Get help now. Experiment with your diet looking for new sensitivities, especially wheat, dairy
products, yeast or sugar.
Sleep during the day and enjoy the peace and quiet at night. Try a warm milky drink or
camomile tea; unwind in a warm bath.
Don’t be afraid to admit it. Use a big wall calendar or pin board with "post-it" stickers. Make
lots of lists and carry them around. Use your partner’s / family’s memory.
Good sign you are getting better. Get a new low energy hobby, e.g. painting, music,
sewing, photography, pot plants. Surf the Net. Look up old friends. Look forwards, not
backwards. Give yourself a weekly treat.
informative read full of hints for people with M.E.
Helpful hints from people with M.E.
10.00 a.m. - 1.30 p.m.
They can provide you with:
Action for M.E.
www.manchestercfsme.nhs.uk
"Remedual Massage"
Phil Southward
Venue:
Wellington Road
Heaton Chapel
Stockport
This charge covers the cost of tea, herbal/fruit tea, or coffee plus biscuits.
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13th August 2010
"Garden Party"
Summer Garden Party at Angela's house
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10th September 2010
"Action for ME"
Venue:
Wellington Road
Heaton Chapel
Stockport
This charge covers the cost of tea, herbal/fruit tea, or coffee plus biscuits.
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Top
Hazel Grove
Stockport.
Didsbury,
Manchester,
M206QZ.
Unit 1
Marcliffe Industrial Estate
Macclesfield Road
Hazel Grove
SK7 5EG
Tel: 0161 456 0889
Meet: 7.30 pm.
Hazel Grove
Stockport.
Cheadle Hulme,
Stockport,
Cheshire
SK8 7EQ.
0161 488 4222.
Cooper Street/Longshut Lane
Stockport
£5.00 per week for non SMEG Members
Most people sit on chairs, a few may lie down, one or two sit cross-legged on the floor.
This is our first meditation practice.
This is our second meditation practice.
This is our final meditation practice.