Waikato
Saya
Starting February 2025, until then, all contact details remain active and all members will be looked after by other Facilitators
Health and Wellness Facilitator
Tuesday to Friday 9am till 4.30pm
Phone or Txt: 022 154 7076
[email protected]
Support services for people in the Waikato affected by ME/CFS, were established by Frankie Letford in 1999. Frankie, who saw the need for this provided phone support, newsletters and organised support groups. For 10 years, Frankie coordinated this, as she was able to in a voluntary capacity with support from MS Waikato. With growth came the need to employ a support worker. For a further 12 years, ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia clients were then supported under the umbrella of MS Waikato.
During this time, the group continued to grow considerably, and recently sought to separate itself from MS Waikato to create their own identity. Following discussions with the Bay of Plenty organisation Complex Chronic illness Support Inc. (CCIS) an agreement was made and CCIS has welcomed the ME/CFS group into their midst. The CCIS model for service, is a better fit for supporting those affected by ME/CFS and allied conditions than under the MS umbrella.
“I have been attending the monthly Complex Chronic Illness Support group since March 2021 and I find very helpful not only finding out more about my illness but also talking to others with the same illness.
The facilitator, Tracey Larsen, is a wonderful and incredibly helpful person who has helped me enormously in the short time since my diagnosis.”
From MC.
December 2023
Kia ora and welcome from the mighty Waikato,
My goodness, it feels like the year is speeding up as it nears the end. Only four weeks to go (At the time of writing this) until CCI Support closes to break for Christmas and our summer holidays. It has been an interesting year, so I look forward to catching my breath and taking the time to reflect on what has been and plan for what is to come, next year.
I have enjoyed meeting my new clients and connecting with our existing clients over different platforms this year. There is much research that states the importance of connection with others for mental and general health. We recognise it is difficult for many to attend local social group meetings, so we are now providing more online group meetings to support connection with others. Having a tribe who gets you, understands the complexities of what you are living with, and with whom you can share ideas and strategies, is so incredibly precious! See our website for details on the different groups and register your interest.
I feel it important to mention that I am constantly in awe of the resilience of the human spirit. I see it week in and week out with you all; how you manage to make the best of what life has dealt you, with the losses, challenges and changes you face. So, as you reflect on the year that has been, do acknowledge and celebrate your own strength, inner wisdom and power to make the choices you have made in your health journey. No matter how small the step, be sure to celebrate the glimmers, sparkling moments and wins!
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and safe and restful holidays. Our office closes on the 21 December 2023 and reopens 9 January 2024. I return to work a little later in January, so for any support prior to then please contact the office on 07 281 1481 or 0800 224 787. Please see our website for any resources and symptom management strategies and for contact details for urgent or crisis support, should you need it, over the period we are closed.
Ka kite,
Tracey
Monthly Members Meetings
Is for all our members who want to attend a monthly meeting but do not have the extra energy to leave their homes
Currently, all Monthly Member Meetings are held online. We welcome you to join us - if you need support getting online, please contact your facilitator and we can have a practice prior to meeting time so that you feel more comfortable on the day.
Social Groups
Hamilton
Young Ladies Hamilton Group
1st Thursday of the month – 1pm
Venue changes so keep an eye on emails and face book.
Te Awamutu
Te Awamutu group meet on the third Thursday of the month. We meet in the afternoons in colder weather and at 10.30am during warmer months.
The venue changes each month, so watch for emails and check the facebook group for updates
Want to Speak to your Health and Wellness Facilitator?
