I am Fiona and it has been a pleasure to run the YPG for four years now. During this time, I have met and chatted to so many people with ME/CFS. The YPG has 43 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. Andrew will do a phone round so we know who to expect. So thank you 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