A NEW group, aimed at providing invaluable support for people in Warrington affected by Long COVID, has been launched.
Commissioned by Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the self-help group has been set up by the borough council’s Wellbeing Service, in partnership with Warrington Disability Partnership and Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
It aims to help people whose lives have been – and continue to be – impacted by the virus.
Fortnightly support sessions will give people to chance to meet with others affected by COVID-19, in an informal, welcoming setting, to share experiences, get advice and access a range of support services. Staff will be on-hand to ensure people are able to discuss the issues they are facing and access the support they need.
Held at the Centre for Independent Living, the group is open to anyone who is recovering from the illness or suffering the effects of Long COVID, along with those who are providing care for family members and friends.
Upcoming Long Covid Self-Help Group meetings will take place from 11am-12.30pm (online, via Zoom) and 1.30pm-3pm (in person) at Warrington Disability Partnership, Centre for Independent Living, Beaufort Street, WA5 1BA, on the following dates:
• Friday February 18
• Friday March 4
• Friday March 18
Booking is required to attend. You can book your place by calling Leigh on 01925 240064 or by emailing [email protected]
The group is being supported by Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Maureen Creaghan, who has worked with partners to help set up the group after speaking to a number of local people whose lives have been severely affected by the illness and its aftermath.
She said: “COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on so many people’s lives. It’s absolutely vital that everyone affected has a voice, and can get the help and support they need, going forward
“It’s so important for us to bring people together, so they know they are not alone. That’s what this group is about – to give local people a forum where they can speak to other people who may be going through similar challenges, access support and advice, listen to the stories of others and share their own experiences.”
Dave Thompson, co-founder and chief executive at Warrington Disability Partnership said: “As an organisation, we know the devastating effects that COVID-19 has had on the community that we serve. Many of the people who have Long COVID are presenting with difficulties aligned to long-term health conditions, to which we have three decades of experience of dealing with.
“Starting from providing a listening ear and mutual support, we hope the self-help groups will show people that they are not alone, and there is help in easy reach.”
For more information on COVID-19, visit: warrington.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-warrington, or the national website at gov.uk/coronavirus
You can also get wellbeing help, advice and support at warrington.gov.uk/warringtonwellbeing, while support for people recovering from COVID-19 is available at yourcovidrecovery.nhs.uk
