As a committee, we decided some months ago that we would welcome people with Long Covid into Stockport ME Group but we have been a bit slow actively communicating this. We are, however, now starting to address this issue in terms of publicity and also making sure we have something to offer people with Long Covid once they find us.
As we learn about the long-term effects of Covid on people’s health and well-being it seems clear that whilst there are differences between Long Covid and ME/CFS there are also many similarities.
Although there is some online peer support for Long Covid locally these groups are linked to the NHS. At the moment, there is no independent local support group. In the light of this and our increasing publicity of what we can offer, we are starting to see more people with Long Covid join our Group. In addition, we also have members of SMEG who alongside their ME/CFS have also developed Long Covid. Ben (our co-chair) is one such person who has unfortunately, developed Long Covid following infection with Covid in January this year. Broadening our remit in this way will be a bit of a learning process.
However, given the distinct similarities between the two conditions increasing awareness of Long Covid we feel that this will benefit not just those with Long Covid but also our members with ME/CFS.
It is our expectation that the fellowship and support we can offer each other will make Stockport and beyond a better place both for people with ME/CFS and also Long Covid. We are still as committed as we were before to meeting the needs of people with ME/CFS but now we are going to try a little harder to make sure people with Long Covid know about us and know that this is a place for them too! In the
light of this, in our communication with members, you will see an increasing reference to Long Covid alongside ME/CFS.
