Articles
Sophia: What it is like volunteering on the FMA UK helpline
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- Category: Case Studies
- Published on Tuesday, 16 February 2021 10:46
- Hits: 2325
I have been a National Helpline Volunteer since 2017 and I have found this a thoroughly rewarding experience. My role on the helpline is to help callers by listening to their queries, signposting callers to where they can receive further information regarding benefits or medical advice. I also arrange to have the information packs sent out to customers who want more information about Fibromyalgia and its day to day management.
For me, knowing you are helping someone and making a difference is really important and by being able to help them by listening or signposting is something I find really fulfilling. Volunteering at FMA UK has made a fundamental difference to me, and has also enhanced my skills by completing the training with the Help Line Partnership, which has given me greater confidence as the training was really useful and gave really good advice of techniques I can use in my role as a Helpline Volunteer.
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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.
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.
