Exeter Support Group?

[Tanpopo]

I was diagnosed with GCA in October and have received good care from my local GP surgery here in Moretonhampstead, but I would like to meet fellow sufferers to compare notes about treatments etc. and offer mutual support etc.

I am only 12 miles from Exeter but my nearest support groups are in Taunton or Plymouth which is over an hour's drive away. Are there any fellow sufferers in Exeter who would like to meet up for a coffee and a chat? If there is enough interest, maybe we could start an Exeter based support group.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

What a good idea!! Good luck!

[Tanpopo in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you!

[Portugal123]

Hello. I was diagnosed with GCA in May last year. I do attend a volunteer support group about every three/four months but I am the only one with GCA, the others have PMR. I would love to be in contact with someone with GCA to compare notes etc. I am in Plympton Plymouth.

[Tanpopo in reply to Portugal123]

I will look into somewhere where we could meet and keep you posted. Would a Saturday afternoon be convenient for you? I am still working, so would prefer weekends.

[RedRum1968]

I’m very close to Exeter (near Crediton) and I’d be very interested in joining a support group. I’ve yet to meet anyone with PMR! Sometimes family just don’t understand sadly.

[Tanpopo in reply to RedRum1968]

Good to hear from you. I am looking into where we could meet in Exeter and will keep you posted. Would a Saturday afternoon be convenient for you? I am still working, so weekends would be best for me.

[alangg]

Lovely Moretonhampstead! I was brought up there. Now in Exeter and had PMR for a few years so still look at this forum in the hope that my random comments can help people. Good luck!

[Tanpopo in reply to alangg]

Good to hear from you. I am looking into where we could meet in Exeter - any suggestions welcome - and will keep you posted. Would a Saturday afternoon be convenient for you? I am still working, so weekends are best for me.

[RedRum1968 in reply to Tanpopo]

yes Saturday afternoon would work for me

[MillMoor]

Before Covid I know Wendy was trying to find someone to start an Exeter group. Look up the Charity website as the info is on there.I live in Hemyock nr Cullompton.

[Tanpopo in reply to MillMoor]

Not sure where to look for the information. Would you be interested in joining? I'm hoping to meet on a Saturday afternoon. Will keep you posted.

[gardenning]

Hi there, I'm not so far away geographically, nearer than Taunton and could meet in Exeter. I've had GCA and PMR for four and a half years. I have to say it's been a bit of a journey health-wise. If you'd like to link up if be happy to share more

[Tanpopo in reply to gardenning]

Thanks for your response. I will do a bit more research and keep you posted.

[Rugger]

When we started the Yorkshire support group, we were advised to pick a venue near where we lived! How about looking for somewhere in Bovey Tracey? Good luck.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Rugger]

Depends a bit on the local geography though doesn't it? Someone in Budleigh Salterton might manage to get to Exeter but would think several times about Bovey Tracy.

[Rugger in reply to PMRpro]

Yes, we did find that with our initial venue in Ilkley. However, people do travel there from far and wide, as transport links are good. Later, we added in another venue in Leeds and now Sheffield and York. The only thing about larger city venues is finding a suitable venue, access and parking etc.

All good wishes to Tanpopo. We have all gained such a lot from starting a group.

[Tanpopo in reply to Rugger]

I think Exeter is fine for me and would be more accessible to others in the area. Thanks for your good wishes!

[suenewberry]

Good evening

I think Exeter would be an excellent idea. My PMR has been in remission now since 2016, but I know can always appear again. The osteoporosis society use a room in St Leonards church, but not sure if this can be hired on Saturday. It depends on how many. You could initially meet in a pub - say the Harvester in Exeter. The AA hire rooms around the church in Exeter on Saturday mornings, and I think they are quite reasonable.

[Pollyanna16]

Hi there, best wishes for starting up a group in Exeter. Our first meeting was over coffee in a Premier Inn in Camborne, Cornwall & then as a couple of us were members of Truro golf Club we hired a room there for 2 hours once a month. I think that was about 9 years ago, we can now get anything from 10 to 20 people coming with PMR & GCA, I think the must beneficial thing is to be able to chat to others going through similar experiences with drugs, doctors etc. People travel from as far away as Penzance & Bodmin. We really need more groups in the south west & so all the very best to you. Charon at PMRGCAuk will happily provide leaflets etc.

[DogAgilityObsessed]

Wow! I've just seen your post. Moretonhampstead is my surgery too! The lovely Dr Tom fast tracked me through the RD&E last month and I too was diagnosed with GCA. Definitely up for a meet. If Exeter, I've been to large group meetings at The Mill on the Exe which has lots of space (although maybe less so on Saturdays) plus a goodish size car park.