Support groups

[DLS25]

Are there any support groups where you can actually meet up with people?

[BobD Volunteer]

One or two. Flapjack is involved with one of them but of course since Covid it is zoom not face to face. I used to run mainly social one in Devon but gave up some years ago due to falling numbers.

[Hidden]

Yesterday I posted on behalf of the Surrey Arrhythmia Support Group so if you scroll down a dozen or so posts, you will find details about that. Meetings are held monthly via Zoom. Before coronavirus they were held at Epsom Hospital but fit obvious reasons that is no longer possible. I am aware of another similar group near Bath I think but if you look at the AF Association website there is some information on support groups. Again before the pandemic, members often met socially and apart from Epsom, I’ve met folk in Exeter, Harefield Hospital and in central London. They are a great way of meeting kindred spirits and making you appreciate that there is life after AF, especially if you are newly diagnosed.

Sadly, I don’t think face to face meets will happen for some while yet. Even if all the restrictions disappear tomorrow, folk with AF will, I am sure remain cautious but in the meantime, anyone from anywhere can join in the Surrey Arrhythmia Support Group meets so take a look and see what you think. I’ve added a link to my recent post just in case you have trouble finding it….hope to see you there 😉

healthunlocked.com/afassoci...

[cassie46 in reply to Hidden]

Have you heard anything of Ian - he seems to have disappeared. Miss his humor and the banter between the two of you (is The Frock still in the wardrobe lol)Cassie

[Hidden in reply to cassie46]

Hi Cassie, we last spoke about a year ago and he was fine. I think he occasionally pops into the forum because he messaged me about something a while ago now. I know he was very busy at work but I think all is well.

Hope all is well with you too 👍

[jeanjeannie50]

Yes, I believe there are a few over the UK. I've arranged several in Exeter and Newton Abbot, Devon. If you say what part of the country you're in, someone who arranges them there may respond. If no one does, how about you starting one, by advertising it on this forum?

None that I know, have continued throughout Covid apart from the Surrey group and theirs have speakers and are using Zoom, so as far as I know it's not a general chit chat one at the moment.

Jean

[Hidden in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Chit chat as such is difficult with zoom as you can really only hear one person at a time but Rosemary manages to make sure people get a chance to get a word in! It certainly is not a good replacement for the social gatherings we used to have but it is a good way to exchange information…….

[SuziElley]

There is an online group in Somerset, details on AFA site. It’s been opened up to other areas, I believe. May be worth a look. I join this group every other month. Some very useful help, talks etc.

[Hidden in reply to SuziElley]

Is that the one run by Helen…..I’ve joined it a couple of times and it’s very good…..

[SuziElley in reply to Hidden]

Yes, that’s the one 👍🏻