Elevate

A support group for people with ME, CFS & post viral conditions

About Elevate

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Elevate is a support/self-help group for people affected by ME – Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, CFS – Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and PVFS – Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome in mid-Norfolk in the UK. Elevate organsies get-togethers in Dereham every 4 weeks, extra activities and trips,  and home visits – as far as possible – for the severely affected who are too unwell to attend these.  It also provides ways for people to get in touch, network and find support and assistance for living with ME or CFS.Elevate is led by a team of volunteers. The majority of these have first-hand experience of ME/CFS prior to volunteering.  The group was started in 2012 by a group of friends with ME and CFS with the help and oversight of Dereham charity. ‘Wellspring Family Centre’.

Aiming to Elevate:

  • Quality of life.
  • Support and access to it.
  • Awareness about the condition.
  • The level of skills, knowledge and resources which can help to elevate health.
  • Hope of improvement or event full recovery.
  • Knowledge of research and its great need of funding.

See more details below.

Connecting with people whatever their level.

Elevate aims to support and connect with the severely affected as far as possible with home visits and staying in touch using the internet and texts.

Elevating quality of life socially….

Living with ME/CFS can deprive people of things that many people take for granted. Going to a party or the cinema can become just a dream for a people with this debilitating condition.  Many typical social events can be too demanding and detrimental to the health of people with ME and CFS. They may also be totally inaccessible, or unsuitable. People with ME/CFS can also be misjudged as being lazy/agoraphobic/anti-social, benefits scroungers etc which can cause a great deal of rejection, alienation and marginalisation. All these things can result in a lot of isolation.
At Elevate people with ME and CFS find total acceptance, friendship and a variety of ways to connect with people in the group although we recognise that those who are very severely affected or those who how don’t live near events or have transport will be limited in how much they connect with people. Home visits may be limited in their reach but we will do the best we can to help the severely affected connect with the group.

A variety of ways to connect:

Enjoyable and accessible activities:

At the monthly get-togethers:

  • Mingling, having free drinks and sometimes food.
  • Optional creative activities.
  • Games including pool, darts, table-top games etc.

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At extra events:

  • Trips out e.g. bowling, wheelchair rides round places, broads trip suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Indoor archery
  • Elevate creativity exhibition.

Indoor archery

 Managing ME/CFS, info and sign-posting.

There is a lack of NHS ME/CFS specialists in the UK and often there are long waiting lists to access the services.  In the mean-time some people may be missing out on good advice on managing their condition which has the potential to prolong their ill-health by years.

Elevate does not provide, or aim to promote any kind of treatment other than what medical professionals have prescribed or recommended are supervising. However people who attend the events do exchange tips on they how they manage their condition and Elevate aims to signpost people to well reputable sources of information such the national ME/CFS support organisations which have medical advisors.

Elevate also point people the NHS ME/CFS Service based at Great Yarmouth. It always recommends that people discuss their health, and the management of their condition with their GP and other recognised healthcare professionals as appropriate.

Support For Carers

 

Elevate would like support carers of people with ME/CFS as far as possible. Carers often come to Elevate events and find mutual support in talking to other carers.  There are other organisations in Norfolk that provide support in various ways.

Carers support – info click here.

What Are Elevate Events Like?

Elevate organises get-togethers every 4 weeks at Wellspring Family Centre in Dereham. These are in a ‘coffee-morning’ style although the events usually start at 2:30pm. There are plenty of comfy sofas in a 100 capacity room and we provide free refreshements.

For those that are able, we aim to provide opportunities to be creative and play non-intensive games. Creative hobbies can be therapeutic for people with ME and CFS so we aim to encourage people to inspire others by demonstrating any creative activities they can do.

The building has a side entrance which is accessible to wheelchair users. There are also other rooms where indiviuals could have a quiet break if they need to.

Ultimately we would like to help elevate the quality of life, level of awareness and support for the needs of people affected by this condition. We may not be able to do this as much as people would like but we hope that those involved with the Elevate will at least feel a little bit more loved, encouraged, inspired and have hope for their future even their health is not currently on the way up.

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For more info please use the contact form or call 07538 801778.