Sjogrens Syndrome

REGIONAL GROUPS

more than 18 regional groups across the country
meeting 2-6 times a year
opportunity to meet fellow patients and listen
talks from experts in Sjögren’s Syndrome
'Make a friend' scheme

The BSSA’s regional group network currently consists of 19 groups, all of which provide an excellent forum for people to meet fellow patients and exchange personal experiences. It also gives the opportunity to listen to guest speakers with knowledge of the condition. Each regional group has a copy of the regional group guidelines, these outline how to successfully run a regional group and they also contain all the information a Regional Liaison Officer (RLO) would require as a means of reference to ensure that the whole BSSA network operates in a unified and efficient manner.

We are in no doubt that each of our regional groups provides a vital service to our members and that they form an integral part of the association. We understand the importance of providing them with a centralised line of support.

The aims of a regional group are:

support one another and reduce feelings of isolation
share experiences, knowledge and tips
raise awareness of Sjögren’s Syndrome
allow people to establish friendships and increase their social circle
fundraise so the group is self-sufficient
help people feel in control of their illness

REGIONAL GROUPS

BIRMINGHAM	BRISTOL / BATH	BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
CARDIFF	CUMBRIA	EASTBOURNE
EDINBURGH	CORNWALL	EXMOUTH
GLASGOW	HAMPSHIRE	HOVE
KENT	LEEDS / YORKSHIRE	LIVERPOOL
MANCHESTER / NORTHWEST	NORFOLK	NORTHAMPTON
SELKIRK	SHEFFIELD	SHREWSBURY
SUFFOLK	SURREY	WILTSHIRE

We have a "Make a friend" scheme for less able or more remote members, where we can put them in contact with other members so they no longer feel isolated. So far this scheme has been very successful.

Groups around the UK

Proposed New Groups

In addition, we have been approached by an East London based Consultant Rheumatologist who is interested in supporting a small, informal support group in this area. If you live in this area and are interested in getting involved and would like further information about this opportunity, please contact Isabel in the office on 0121-4556532.

Groups desperately needed whether large or informal in the following areas:

North Wales, Lincolnshire, Newcastle

If you would like to start your own informal group please contact the office and we send you a starter pack. The office will also give you help, support and advice with starting your group, however small or large. Email - office@bssa.uk.net

Birmingham

Our meetings are:

Saturday 7th June with Mr Ilango Balasubramaniam (Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Wolverhampton)

Saturday 6th September the speaker is Dr S Bowman, Consultant Rheumatologist, BSSA Trustee and Medical President.

For more information please contact Pauline on 0121 430 3856 or Anita on 0121 782 2807 .

Bristol / Bath

For more information please contact June on 0117 957 1372 or Jane on 0117 924 8796 .

Buckinghamshire

For more information please contact the office on 0121 455 6532

Burnley

For more information please contact the office on 0121 455 6532

Cardiff

For more information please contact the office on 0121 455 6532

Cornwall / Falmouth / Truro

Our next meeting will be held in June / July in Helston.

For more information please contact the office on 0121 455 6532

Cumbria

We would welcome anyone in the area who might be interested in attending meetings in Carlisle . Please get in touch with Doreen on 015394 47941

Doncaster

We are having a meeting in late Spring.

For more information please contact the office on 0121 455 6532

Eastbourne

For more information please contact Isabel at the office on 0121 455 6532.

Edinburgh

For more information please contact Louise on 0131 538 6981.

Exmouth

For more information please contact the office on 0121 455 6532

Glasgow / Scotland

Our next meeting will be on Saturday June 14th, Saturday September 13th and Saturday December 6th.

For more information please contact Marjorie on 0141 6374313 or Christine on 0141 4273318

Hampshire

For more information please contact the office on 0121 455 6523

Hove

For more information please contact Elizabeth on 0127 341 6048

Kent

For more information please contact Diane on 07836 249 257

Leeds / Yorkshire

For more information please contact the office on 0121 455 6532

Liverpool

For more information about the Liverpool Group please contact Sylvia on 01942 272 829.

Manchester / Northwest

For more information about BSSA in the Manchester area ring Elizabeth on 01663 744997

Norfolk

Our group meets on a regular basis and we always look forward to welcoming new members, partners are also welcome.

For more information please contact Linda on 0149 366 1389.

Northampton

For more information please contact the office on 0121 455 6532

Selkirk / Borders

For more information please contact Margaret on 0175 021 629.

Sheffield

For more information please contact the office on 0121 455 6532

Shrewsbury

For more information please contact the office on 0121 455 6532

Suffolk / Essex Border

For more information please contact Susan on 01787 371127.

Surrey

For more information please contact the office on 0121 455 6532

Wiltshire (The Sjogi Bears)

For more information please contact Bridget on 01672 871 511

Guest Speakers

We are delighted to have a network of health care professionals, who visit our regional groups and provide a valuable insight into the condition, its symptoms and treatment. Topics covered at previous meetings include:

Sjögren's Syndrome: A Rheumatological Perspective
Treating the Systemic Complications of Sjögren's Syndrome
Oral Manifestations and Treatments of Sjögren's Syndrome
The Diagnosis and Treatment of Dry Eye in Sjögren's Syndrome
Nutrition and Sjögren's Syndrome

If you are able to spare an hour or so of your free time and are interested in becoming a guest speaker at a BSSA regional meeting, please contact the office for further details.

UP^