How do I start operating a hidden illnesses group in my local area with a view to having it expand all over my town?

[Joanne2306]

Hi I have a group on social media called hidden illnesses. I originally did this so I had support for my fibro and other hidden illnesses. My plan in the future is to open a face to face group for others with hidden illnesses. I would love to do many groups in different areas and different times. At the moment the social media group doesn't get much input and I'd going very slowly. Also due to lockdown face to face has been put on hold as we all know. I'm from an office/calk center / hospitality work background and know i could run something like this. I'm just struggling to get the start I need. I've a friend who works at a local centre who's willing to help to pur me forward for funding and a space for this to take place so thats available I just need to arrange it once lockdowns lifted. My question is what's everyone's opinions on how to set it out? Invite people? Well basically where do I start??

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee]

I would suggest that you contact our office at [e-mail] and arrange a call. I am sure Hazel_Angelstar will have some thoughts as well.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

As des has suggested, if you drop me an email with the area you live in, firstly I came check if there are any other groups in the area, and can provide support and information on setting up a new group .

[Midori]

Possibly put up a card in your Doctor's surgery noticeboard, It's where I found the Fibro Group I was a member of in my previous town.

[Elizahl]

I would visit all gps and public health clinics in the area and leave flyer they could put up and inform people about it that would be a great start you could also ask library's and supermarkets if you could put up a flyer ask peopleto share on social media as it is important to get the word out. As its I assume not for profit group contact your local radio station they may help put the word out as my local station does for charitable events. Well done it's a great idea you could also maybe chat to resource centres day centres for elderly and disabled they might spread the word too if you email them a copy of your flyer they could print some off and put around the building too good luck x

[Joanne2306]

Just to update everyone due to covid everything was put on hold. My friend works at a local community centre that has all sorts of groups happening all the time and she has said that I might be able to get funding but need to wait till everything is back to normal and all the previous groups are back up and running so they can find a couple of time slots for group and 1 to 1 availability if thats what is needed. So until that time I'm unable to organize anything. It's a perfect venue as its minutes away from me and quite a prominent place within the community. I will update further as soon as I have anything new to add. Thanks again all who added comments.