A GROUP with the aim of bringing people with ‘invisible illnesses’ together celebrated its first year at GL11 Community Hub in Cam – and the group's founder hopes it will carry on “for many years to come”.

Invisible illnesses is a term used to describe any illness that is not immediately apparent simply by looking at somebody, including fibromyalgia, ME, anxiety and depression.

The Invisible Illnesses Group, which meets weekly at GL11, was formed in 2015 by Kath and Tim Lansdown to help people with these conditions, and celebrated a successful year with a barbecue and get-together at the community hub on Monday, July 4.

“It was wonderful to celebrate our first anniversary,” said Kath.

“I've really enjoyed watching people gel with each other. People who say they didn't have anyone to talk to about their illness, and say how good it is to be with other people who just 'get it'.

“I love that we are reaching out to people who feel cut off from normality because of their illness or disability.

“GL11 have been amazing. We hope to run for many years to come.”

Kath suffers with fibromyalgia, a condition which causes muscular pain and tenderness, while her husband Tim suffers from restless leg syndrome, which is characterised by discomfort and the strong urge to move one’s body to stop unpleasant sensations.

The pair, both acutely aware of the negative impact invisible illnesses could have on people’s lives, decided to start a group dedicated to boosting people’s confidence and helping them cope with the day-to day of living with their illness.

The weekly group is a relaxed gathering with the option of working on crafts. Many, however, simply use the group as a way of meeting friends and chatting.

If you suffer with ME, anxiety, fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome, depression, or any other illnesses that are not always understood by others, why not join GL11’s Invisible Illnesses Group? Sessions are held every Monday between 1 and 3pm at GL11 Community Hub in Cam.