VEDS Support Groups
Our regional face-to-face support groups are safe, confidential, relaxed meetings for those touched by vascular EDS i.e. parents, carers, friends, children, and partners.
Facilitated by our wonderful volunteer regional coordinators, all of whom have lived experience with vascular EDS either personally or in a caring role. Our support groups provide a helpful way to share information, listen to each other’s experiences and together find ways of navigating the complexities of living with or caring for someone with vascular EDS.
Attending our support groups can help you build self-confidence, become more informed and this may lead to you becoming more in control of your life with vascular EDS. They help you feel you are not so alone including your loved ones.
It is free
to attend ANY regional support group and lunch is included, simply select the region nearest to your location and book your free place/s.
Upcoming Support Groups
South West
Saturday 20th, September
1pm - 3pm
The Cromwell Arms, Romsey SO51 8HG
Regional Coordinator: Gemma
Click here to book.
West Midlands (North)
Saturday 20th, September
12pm - 2pm
Cappello Lounge, Newcastle under Lyme ST5 1PE
Regional Coordinator: Kerri
Click here to book.
North East
Sunday 21st, September
11am - 1pm
The Gibside Hotel, Whickham NE16 4JG
Regional Coordinator: Connor & Peter
Click here to book.
South East
Saturday 11th, October
12pm - 2pm
The Cosy Club, Basingstoke RG21 7BB
Reginal Coordinator: Jacqui
Click here to book.
Your Regional Coordinators
Meet Danika
Danika joined Annabelle's Challenge in April 2022 taking on the role of patient coordinator.
"Before joining the charity I was a childcare professional with 13 years’ experience of working with children and their families.
I have completed my studies of Mental Health and gained a qualification in Mental Health Awareness Level 1 and Level 2 in Social Care and Children’s And Young Peoples Mental Health and certified Level 2 in counselling skills."
Danika is a Mental Health First Aider accredited by MHFA England.
Meet Scarlett
Scarlett joined Annabelle's Challenge in October 2023 taking on the role of patient coordinator.
"I am so pleased to be given this amazing opportunity to take on the role as a patient coordinator for the charity to help support all our members both existing and newly diagnosed. I have previous experience in childcare, and I love to travel especially to Ireland".
Scarlett is a Mental Health First Aider accredited by MHFA England.
Facebook Group & Helpline
For help with worries and advice about vascular EDS, to someone who’ll listen if you just want to talk, we’ll be there. You’re not alone.
Call us free in the UK on
0800 917 8495
or email info@annabelleschallenge.org
(Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm)
Our members are welcome to join our private Facebook group:
Please click here to read our online support group policy and privacy policy.
