Breaking Isolation Workshop - relaxed creative space

Breaking Isolation Workshop - a workshop for age groups 19-25 to connect with other young people with ME/CFS

This workshop is for young people with M.E./CFS who are aged 19-25 years old, held on Tuesday 5th May from 4pm to 5.30pm.

This workshop is for 1.5 hours and is held online on zoom. We will have a 10-minute break hallway through.

The workshop is hosted by Keely, our Family Services Coordinator at AFME and a young person peer facilitator, who has lived experience of ME/CFS.

This is simply a relaxed and fun space to connect with other young people your age – please bring a cup of tea or coffee, and a biscuit or snack to enjoy in the workshop.

If you are a creative, please bring along any projects you are working on – your crochet, painting, writing, etc. But if that isn’t your thing, please don’t worry! Just come along as you are.

We will have a one word check in, a getting to know each other section, and then just time spent connecting.

To help manage fatigue:

1. Please come as you like – tucked up in a blanket on the sofa or in bed – we want you to be as comfy as possible!

1. Please take breaks whenever you like, there is a 10 min break in the middle, but all you need to do is turn your camera and mic off, take a break, and come back to us when you are ready

1. If the workshop is too long for you, and you need to leave early, this is totally fine! Please just PM Keely the facilitator that you are leaving and exit the workshop.

2. Workshop practicalities

• The workshop will last for 1.5 hours from 4pm – 5.30pm
• The workshop is hosted by Keely, and Grace
• There is a 5-10 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 - if you need 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!