This workshop is for young people with M.E./CFS who are aged 8-13 years old, held on Tuesday 6th May 2025 from 4pm to 5.30pm.

This workshop, we will be exploring our thoughts and feelings that comes with having ME/CFS, and learning safe ways of channelling them. There will be chances to share, have fun and connect with other young people who have ME/CFS and time to learn new positive processes and exercises, including a mindfulness session lead by our CYP counsellor, Caroline.

1. Your workshop schedule:

The workshop schedule looks busy, but it will organically flow through topics, and please remember you can take a break whenever you like throughout the workshop.

4pm - Quick Introductions: who we are (the facilitators) and what we do
4.05pm - Checking in – a one word check in from everyone to see how you are doing
4.10pm - Getting to know each other activity – tell us about your pet or favourite hobby
4.20pm - An open safe space to explore how people feel having ME/CFS - Identifying your thoughts and emotions
4.30pm - Exploring methods of safely channelling that energy – art, music, therapy, talking with peers , AFME counselling
4.40pm - Reflection session – your achievements and positive experiences
4.50pm - A 5 minute break halfway through the workshop (we can take 10 mins)
4.55pm - Finding hope for the future – writing down what we’re hopeful and grateful for, things that make you feel happy you can come back to, and setting some positive intentions and obtainable goals
5.15pm - Mindfulness session with Caroline – 5 minute mindfulness session lead by our CYP counsellor
5.25pm - Time to set up a whatsapp/email group - Checking out - Farewells

2. Workshop practicalities

The workshop will last for 1.5 hours from 4pm – 5.30pm
The workshop is hosted by Keely, the Family Support Officer at AFME and a peer facilitator – (the peer facilitators are young people aged 18-19 and have M.E./CFS and volunteer for AFME - forming our Breaking Isolation steering group who helped shape the workshops) or an adult cofacilitator from AFME.
There is a 5 minute break half way through, but to manage your energy best, if you need a break at any other point, please feel free to take it
If you need to let us know anything, such as if you’re not feeling well, please type it into the chat window, and Keely will get back to you.
Extra support - As there might be some difficult topics that come up in the workshop, if you need further support we offer free counselling to children and young people, so please speak to our supportive team here: https://www.actionforme.org.uk/18-and-under/how-we-can-help/free-yp-counselling/

3. Group Agreement

We would like to suggest a group agreement to help everyone feel included, safe and comfortable. These have been developed with ideas and input from young people with M.E. If you want to change or add anything, please let me know:

Use of pronouns – please share your preferred pronouns
Relaxed – no pressure for participation (but we enjoy hearing what you have to say!)
Please keep mics off unless you’re speaking and put hands up if you want to share (unless Keely says you can keep them on, like in free chat/discussions)
You can mute, turn off your camera, and/or take breaks whenever needed
Only share what you feel comfortable to.
What’s said in this zoom will stay in the zoom. This includes us not sharing info about you without your consent (unless we have any serious concerns)
Respect others’ views and opinions
This is a safe space
Try not to interrupt each other (we know this can be hard on zoom!)
If anything comes up in the workshops you want more support with, get in touch with Keely

Please do get in touch with me if you have any questions or anything you need to let us know before the workshops – you can email me any time on: familysupport@actionforme.org.uk.

See you soon!

Breaking Isolation Workshop - Building resilience and finding hope