Who Are We?
We are the Southend Fibromyalgia Support Group, serving Southend and the surrounding areas. We warmly invite those affected by fibromyalgia (aswell as their friends, family and carers) to join our community, where support and valuable resources are readily available. Whether you're dealing with the daily challenges of this condition or simply wish to deepen your understanding, our group is committed to assisting you throughout your journey.
Who keeps the group going?
Terry Grenfell
As the group leader for Southend FMA, I bring a personal and professional perspective to our community. Diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2014, my symptoms began as hip and knee pain.
Before my diagnosis, I served as a paramedic and was actively involved in various volunteering roles. I managed my condition alongside my career until July 2019 when I suffered a stroke, significantly impacting my health and forcing me to step back from full-time work. Despite these challenges, I continue to contribute as a volunteer on the FMA UK telephone support line.
Inspired by my late mother, who also battled fibromyalgia and was dedicated to understanding it better, I've always been passionate about helping others and sharing knowledge. Recognizing the stark lack of support for those with fibromyalgia, I was motivated to establish the Southend group. Additionally, I am a trained mental health first aider with numerous training qualifications, enabling me to educate and support others effectively.
Shaz Ambrose
I serve as the group fundraising coordinator and deputy chairperson for Southend FMA. My journey with fibromyalgia began in 2015, following an initial diagnosis of an underactive thyroid in 2014. Despite medication easing some symptoms, severe pain and fatigue persisted, leading to a challenging year before I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia by a rheumatologist.
My professional background includes managing a children’s center and working for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), managing ESA benefits. I transitioned from childcare to the DWP in 2009 and took voluntary redundancy in 2019 due to health issues, despite also being active as a trade union representative and a member of the Trade Union Council.
Though no longer working full-time, I remain engaged as a member of the trade union’s disabled members' committee. I am a trained mental health first aider, have completed Level 2 counselling skills, and conduct training sessions. My personal experiences are mirrored in my family, as my daughter also struggles with fibromyalgia, which affected her significantly during her academic years, especially during exams. This shared experience deepens my commitment to supporting and advocating for those with fibromyalgia.
Joshua Hamilton
I am an IT and business professional, currently living in Canvey. At 32 years old, I balance my duties as a husband and father of 4 with a variety of volunteer commitments.
Whilst I was at school, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia following years of symptoms including widespread pain, persistent fatigue and photophobia, but the complexities of my health escalated greatly six years ago following a serious episode that left me paralyzed due to a neurological disorder triggered by meningitis and sepsis. Since then, I've adapted to life as a full-time wheelchair user, which has reshaped my perspectives and fueled my passion for helping other people.
Professionally, I bring a diverse background in IT, management, design, and fundraising. I actively support several charities, including a search and rescue operation for lost dogs where I serve as a drone pilot, the St Vincent De Paul Society’s Canvey Foodbank, and I am a trustee at my son's school PTFA.
I hold a BSc Hons in Computer Science and have recently obtained certifications as a Level 3 Mental Health First Aider and Level 2 First Responder with St John's Ambulance. I have completed CPD Accredited courses in Disability Awareness, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, and I am preparing to start a CPD Certification on the Equality Act 2010 later this year.
We love what we do and we do it with passion!
As committee members, we are responsible for the strategic oversight and operational management of our group's activities. Our duties include scheduling and conducting meetings, securing guest speakers, overseeing financial matters, and making key decisions that align with our group's objectives and projects. Our primary goal is to ensure the group operates smoothly and successfully. It's important to note that we are all volunteers, nobody is paid.
Would you like to volunteer with us?