Having a muscle-wasting condition often means adjusting to a new and unexpected reality, and many people struggle with feeling lonely as they process this. But meeting other people in similar situations and talking about the things that matter to you can really help.
Finding a community became even harder when the pandemic hit as we weren’t able to hold our regular Muscle Group meetings. With this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week focusing on the topic of loneliness, we’re delighted to announce that this summer we’ll be having our first face to face Muscle Group meetings since 2019! During the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted to bring these meetings to people virtually, but now we can welcome the return of in-person meetings again. It will be a fantastic opportunity for people living with muscle-wasting conditions and their families to come together and socialise over a cup of tea like we used to.
We know there is value in virtual events, so most will still have an option to access them virtually to ensure they are inclusive to everyone. We will also be continuing to host more general meetings via Zoom with one coming this summer that will focus particularly on mental wellbeing.
“We encourage anyone who may be considering joining a Muscle Group meeting to do so. What have you got to lose? There’s so much support and help available. Not necessarily on the first visit, but there is a nugget of information or friendship waiting for everyone!”
- Jane and Mark Field, volunteer chairs for our West Midlands Muscle Group since the group began.
Our Muscle Groups are hosted in 10 regions across the UK, ensuring that you can access a group close to you. By getting together at our regional muscle groups, you can share experiences, and discuss local and national issues that affect you. These sessions are run by volunteers from the local community and are a great opportunity to make friends and make connections that will last.
Calley Clay, MDUK’s Volunteer Engagement Manager, said
“We are so excited to get back to hosting in-person Muscle Groups after such a long period of social isolation for so many. They are a vital resource for finding support and a sense of community.”
Register your interest in the Muscle Groups, and keep up to date, by filling out this form on our website.