Supporting you to get through the lock-down blues

• * Get support from people who understand
• * Free for all to attend
• * Ideal for people in the Duchenne community who need a boost this January
• * Warm, inclusive session
• * Peer-to-peer support

Since Christmas, we have heard from many Duchenne families that they are struggling to keep their spirits up. January’s lock-down has come at a particularly difficult time for many of you.

What are Action Duchenne doing to help?

Your mental health and emotional wellbeing are our top priority during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are providing you with two opportunities to share how you are feeling with people who completely understand. You can learn from others, get help and share support, meet new people in a similar situation and come away with some techniques to help you feel better.

What will I get out of this

Lynnette says, “Over New Year 2020 I felt the lowest I have felt for a very long time, possibly since Samson’s Duchenne diagnosis over 5 years ago. I felt like I couldn’t be bothered to get the kids out and about, they sat on the XBox or in front of the TV a lot of the time. I know it’s a way to cope, but it was a vicious cycle, as I felt so guilty for not encouraging them to get fresh air and exercise, but I really didn’t have the energy to do so. As soon as I shared how I was feeling with a fellow Duchenne Mum (Sam) I felt better. I felt more positive about the future and felt empowered to get up and get the kids away from the screens, even just for half an hour. Small steps make a big difference.”

We know many of you are experiencing a low point right now, and we want to help support you.

What do I have to do

Come along to one or both of the sessions with trained Counsellor, Diane Stevens, who will be joined by Sam and Lynnette, our Support Officers (both are Duchenne Parents too).  The sessions are free and, due to the lock-down, are both taking place online on 22 Jan and 3 Feb 2021. To help you feel at ease, the sessions are informal and we encourage you to interact as much or as little as you are comfortable with.

Who can attend?

Registration is open to everyone in the Duchenne community; you may find the sessions particularly helpful if you are a Duchenne Parent or Caregiver, if you live with Duchenne, are a Grandparent or Sibling.