"I had COVID in February 2021 and went in hospital March with pneumonia.

My disability advisor at Stockport jobcentre told me about the group. She gave me Marie’s contact details and I’ve been taking part online since June 2021.

Living with long COVID is so painful and frustrating. I've been expecting things to improve and they haven't. Other health problems have started that I didn't have before COVID. I'm seeing a cardiologist in December and I am waiting for PTSD trauma Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Walking is very painful. It feels like shock waves go through my body and I have to sit. I'm pacing my steps and don't really have a choice because I'm going nowhere fast. I don't sleep properly because I sleep during the day. I try to stay awake but I can't. My fatigue is bad.

The group helps me because I talk to other long COVID sufferers. We have guest speakers and very good advice from everyone.

The group has told me things I would not know on my own. They told me about the Romiley Long COVID Clinic. The group has a lot of knowledge and experience. The group makes me feel like I'm not on my own.

The best thing about the group is knowing that once a week I spend time talking to people who understand and genuinely care about our welfare. We have the WhatsApp group on all the time and we can email or phone Marie any day.

If you have long COVID come and join us. The group really is very supportive.
The meetings are online every Wednesday at 11:30am so we don't have to leave home. We have a zoom meeting. I don't show myself, mainly because I've not combed my hair!

There is absolutely no pressure and we are all made to feel very welcome. Talk if you want, just listen if you want.

Because I have brain fog I need other people to think for me. They are full of excellent advice and good information. We also meet up in Vernon Park cafe now and again."