Darren Randon, co-founder of Well Versed Ink, is seeking new members for an online group for UK-based Black and Black-mixed adults living with diagnosed or suspected ME or Long-Covid. Formal diagnosis is not required.
The group meets every other Sunday from 1-2pm. It provides a safe space to share experiences and create community, with the aim of improving wellbeing and reducing isolation.
Group leader Darren will use his skills as a Community Builder to facilitate these conversations and other group members will be invited to share their skills and lead too, if they are comfortable to do so. There is no pressure to do anything, though — you may contribute as much or as little as you are comfortable and able to.
“In a short space of time, the group has become a warm and supportive space to share challenges, triumphs and info, with members finding it ‘affirming’, ‘refreshing’ and feeling it is ‘really needed’.”
Despite being hosted by Well Versed Ink, this isn’t a creative writing group, so don’t feel pressured to be creative. Energy levels and personal severity will be taken into account in the meetings, so that the group can be as accessible as possible.
The group is open to anyone aged 18+ of Black or Black-mixed ethnicity living with ME or Long Covid in the UK. You will need Internet access and a computer/phone/tablet with Zoom installed. The group is also entirely confidential, to protect the privacy of members and allow free and safe discussion to take place.
"This is a great concept by Darren. I know that Black and mixed race people in the UK value spaces where they can be themselves and talk about the issues that are important to them. It's no different when you get ME. Darren is a very friendly and capable facilitator, and these meetings will be invaluable to our community. I hope that if anyone finds themselves lost, or if they just want to talk about their shared experiences with others like themselves, this group will be really useful for them."
