Hi, my name is Noreen, and I have the great privilege of being a co-founder of the Long Covid Cuppa support group.
Myself and my friend Suzanne got together 3 years ago because of our Long Covid experiences. We thought of just getting together with other sufferers for a cuppa and a chat, and we hoped to make genuine connections with others who were affected by the long-term effects of Long Covid.
My own journey has been a tough one for me to deal with. I got covid in late November 2021. I was getting over it and then 1 month later, I went for a covid jab. After this I really hit a wall. All the symptoms came back, but worse. My doctor was very sympathetic but was really unable to do much. I was prescribed antidepressants as my mental health took a big downward spiral. I was also finding it difficult to sleep and then 1 year later I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and was prescribed Amitriptyline for body pain.
Due to my long-term illness, I had to give up work. My job as a dinner lady overseeing 3 primary schools with 10 staff was demanding, and I no longer could fulfil my duties ordering supplies, food, and supervising staff, whilst suffering very badly with my memory, brain fog and tremors. I was put on reduced hours, but I had no confidence or strength to do my job. I had to make the hard decision to go ahead with ill health retirement from a job I loved and had been doing for 35 years. This was a traumatic experience and just something else to add to the list of things I was finding it hard to deal with. I have now been diagnosed with psoriasis. As lots of sufferers say, Long Covid is the gift that just keeps giving.
My hope is that the group is a safe place for genuine connections, understanding, and empowerment for all of us.
The Cuppa Group
We held our first Cuppa Group Meeting on the 17th June 2022 where 22 people attended. It was an emotional meeting where everyone told their story. We really should have been sponsored by Kleenex at that first meeting as there were so many tears. The group now has 145 Facebook members and we continue to have monthly meetings where we meet in person at Upper Braes Parish Church Hall. Sometimes we meet for tea or coffee and a chat and at other times we might have something like a meditation session, sound bath, singing or arts and crafts. Lots of members say that this helps them with their emotional and physical symptoms and wellbeing and gives them the opportunity to try something new. We are hoping with the launch of the website and our peer partnership with Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland, that we will reach more potential members, but we more than anyone appreciate the challenges that living with Long Covid brings including sourcing help and support. We hope that we offer that little glint of light at the end of the tunnel.