The Dumfries and Galloway ME and Fibromyalgia Network has been given a bumper National Lottery Award of £9961, and they plan to use the funding to provide activities and support for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Fibromyalgia (FM), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), long covid, and their families/carers.
They will employ a development officer who will deliver this work, build partnerships with relevant organisations and raise the group’s profile.
Craig Woods, from Lochmaben, of the network, said: “This National Lottery funding will enable us to restart in-person meetings when the pandemic allows, whilst also helping us reach out to those housebound or distant through postal newsletters, social media and our website.
“No one should feel alone or without a network to turn to for mutual support and advice.
“We will also be able to repeat our craft project over winter – offering the ability to learn new skills in a relaxing and sociable online environment.
“We will also use our energies, with the support of the part-time worker we are able to take on, to raise awareness of these conditions and how they affect us to those in health and social care and beyond.”
In addition, ‘little boxes of kindness’ will go to the families of people with addiction issues thanks to an award of £7000 to Alcohol and Drugs Support South West Scotland.
The boxes will contain crafting activities and materials, stress busting and mindfulness tools, plant growing materials, food treats and toiletries.
Other awards in Dumfries and Galloway total almost £90,000 and go to groups such as King George V Trust, Alive Radio, Kippford Association and Locharbriggs Primary School parent council.
