CCI Support Blog
The CCI Support Blog is a look at life with Chronic Illnesses written in an informal or conversational style. If you would like to contribute to this blog, please contact your Health and Wellness Facilitator.
Through the Grapevine – April 2026
The Finch App is a cute little self-care app that rewards you for checking off tasks with outfits and ‘birdhouse’ furniture, takes the bird on trips around the world, and lets you send supportive messages and reminders to other Finch users. It can be adapted to a...
“I Learned to Appreciate the Small Things” – A Poem by Frances Hellendoorn
I learned to appreciate the small things. I resisted it. My heart crashed against it, like waves smashing against a rock - and it hurts, unfathomable, wave upon wave. I still dreamt the big things - Momentous things actually. I picked up a small stone. It...
Highlighting Stories
At CCI Support, we recognising the importance of sharing your story—in your own words. We always endeavour to provide a platform for those living with chronic illness who would like to tell us more about their experiences. If you would like your writing to be posted...
Through the Grapevine – January 2026
Grounding sheets? Do they work? What are even are they? Grounding sheets or earthing sheets are special bed sheets woven with conductive fibres (like silver or carbon) that are said to connect you to the Earth's natural energy, aiming to reduce inflammation and...
“This Was Never Your Fault” – A Poem by Phil
They said it was all in your head.Maybe they said it with a smirk,a shrug,a cold wave of certaintythat hollowed you out,left you smaller than before. They didn’t see the nights you shook.The mornings your body refused.The terror of not being believed—not even by your...
“Before I Got Sick” – A Poem by Frances Hellendoorn
Before I got sick, I did not realise we had birds in our garden. I did not know that the myna has a hilarious bob in his song. That my ‘happy place’ bird from my childhood is a barbary dove and likes to ‘hang out’ on the power lines and gutter opposite our house in...
“Invisible Dragons” – A Poem by Frances Hellendoorn
Everyday I fight Invisible Dragons. My disability fences me in. But to all but a few the fences are invisible. I sat on the store furniture because I could not walk all the way around the store. No customer courtesy chair was provided. I am not old, although I...
Tapping – Shifting the Urge to Rush into a Calm, Healing State
By Annabelle Tapping or EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) is a self-help technique designed to reduce stress/anxiety. It involves gently tapping specific points on the face and body while focusing on the emotions or stress you wish to let go of. EFT may help in...
“The Rongoā of Presence” – A Poem by Phil
There is a quiet strength in being with what is. Not to fix or rush, but to simply acknowledge. This presence is a kind of rongoā (medicine) — soft, patient, and deeply human. 🌙 May you find comfort in your capacity to sit with truth, and return to yourself...
Through the Grapevine – October 2025
As some of you may remember from previous blogs etc. Rachel Riggs’ cookbook is shaping up to be an uncomplicated, allergen-aware cookbook. After a recent catch up, Rachel who has been living with ME/CFS for 21 years -- the last twelve of them housebound -- really...