A Day in the life of a FMA UK Helpline Volunteer
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- Category: General
- Created on Friday, 04 July 2008 17:57
- Published on Friday, 04 July 2008 17:53
- Hits: 32087
We always need more volunteers
FMA UK is always glad of new helpline volunteers, if it's something you have thought about doing, ask yourself why not? You don't need to have a clear head, if you did none of us could do it! We have all the information we need in a comprehensive binder, with clear indication where everything is so you can locate it easily while chatting to someone. FMA UK also provides you with a headset so you don't have to worry about aching wrists and shoulders from having to hold the phone for long periods of time.
Personally, I think it's a good idea to do a telephone helpline course before you start, especially if you don't have any previous experience. It only takes one day and goes through the various scenarios you may encounter and how to cope with a difficult call, for example. I found it gave me so much more confidence and made me feel I was doing a professional job.
I usually do three or four half days (4 hours) a month, but you can do as little or as much as you like. There are of course some days when I am feeling rough and really don't want to get out of bed, but I am always glad I have done my stint on the helpline as talking to others usually makes me feel so much better too. If you want to make a difference, help others with FM and also feel good about yourself think about becoming a helpline volunteer.
For more information on becoming a FMA UK helpline volunteer please contact the Head Office for more information.
There are some links to file that may be of interest if you would like to help out the charity in this essential role. Also people would need to fill out our Confidentiality Policy and of course any expenses are covered by our Expenses Policy
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 Helpline Volunteer Role Description | [Gives an idea of what is involved and required] | 320 kB |
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- National Helpline 0300 999 3333 (10am - 4pm Mon - Fri)
- Benefits Helpline 0300 999 0055 (10am - 12pm Mon, Wed and Fri)
- Complimentary information booklets for doctors and other professionals (fully referenced)
- Books and videos
- Website Contacts with legal specialists
- Conferences
- Local support group and helpline contacts
If your Health Care Professional needs some education in fibromyalgia you can request that an FMA UK Health Professionals Pack is sent out to them. All we need is the name of the Health CareProfessional and the address of their practice. We will then send a pack to their surgery addressed from us to them.
You can request a medical pack using this form.
Trustee meetings are held monthly via Skype and last about 2 hours. There is an annual meeting that coincides with our group leaders’ meeting over a weekend.
You can find a Support Group near you by contacting the Regional Coordinator for your area. If there does not happen to be a support group near you then maybe you can join with some other members and set one up. Support groups provide a social benefit as well as the opportunity to share tips on coping with fibro. They come in all shapes and sizes and we are often told how they have helped people.
