Long Covid support sessions return for Blackburn with Darwen residents

Residents who have been affected by Long Covid are being invited to get help as support sessions are being re-introduced across the borough.

The peer support group is for people to share experiences, support each other and find ways of managing their condition and recovery after coronavirus.

The Long Covid group is a partnership between Blackburn with Darwen Adult Learning, Re:fresh and the Covid Community Champions Team which was first set up in 2021 as a peer support group for people suffering with recovery.

According to the NHS, symptoms of Long Covid include extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, problems with memory and concentration, changes to taste and smell and joint pain, lasting more than twelve weeks.

Faranisa Sharif, Community Champions Engagement Lead, said:

We are delighted to be bringing back these sessions and continuing to support those who are living with Long Covid.  The peer support group is a safe space for you to share your experiences and help each other to process and move on to the next step of your journey to recovery.

The group will alternate between fortnightly online and face to face sessions and the first online session will be held Wednesday, October 27 at 5.30 – 6.30pm.

The first session of the face-to-face peer support will be held Wednesday 9^th November 1.30pm -2.30pm at Albion Mill in Blackburn.

Councillor Damian Talbot, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

We are extremely pleased to be re-introducing the Long Covid sessions for those who have been impacted by the devastating after-effects of the virus.

The sessions are a way for individuals to come together and receive the support that they need, share their experiences and get the care for the condition which can be debilitating.

We had some fantastic feedback from people who have previously attended the Long Covid clinic, with some saying that they have been life changing therefore I would encourage those affected to come along and get the help that they need.

Anyone who would like to take part or has questions about the support on offer or how to access the group can get in touch online www.refreshbwd.com, via email wellbeing@blackburn.gov.uk or call (01254) 682037 to be sent a Teams Meeting link for the online sessions.