Throughout May, The Forge Shopping Centre is lighting up purple in support of Fibromyalgia Awareness Month. This initiative, #LightUpForFibro, aims to raise awareness about fibromyalgia a condition that affects over 1 million people in the UK.
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that impacts the central nervous system, leading to a range of symptoms. Common symptoms include chronic pain, muscle spasms, fatigue, depression, anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), insomnia, headaches or migraines, plantar fasciitis, and “fibro fog” a term used to describe issues with concentration, focus, and memory. The condition is often triggered by trauma, which can be a single significant event or a buildup of stressors over time. Diagnosing fibromyalgia can be challenging, as there are no specific blood tests for it, and symptoms often overlap with other conditions.
More Than Fibro: Support at The Forge
Located within The Forge Shopping Centre, More Than Fibro is a charity dedicated to supporting those affected by fibromyalgia. They offer a range of services, including peer support, advocacy, and education. Their offerings encompass advocacy support, coffee chats, community support meetings, mental health support, online support groups, Reiki sessions, and walking groups.
If you or someone you know is affected by fibromyalgia, we encourage you to visit the More Than Fibro HUB at The Forge for information, support, and more.
