"Mixture of realism & hope"

I was under the Long Covid clinic until April and then referred by my GP to the Post Covid Rehabilitation Programme in Belfast. I was part of the 3rd cohort to be seen from mid July to Sept on an 8 week programme.

I wanted to say that the programme was nothing but absolute joy and a real turning point for me and many others. It was the most well structured programme I have ever attended which was broken down into topics such as fatigue, brain fog, breathing, nutrition, sleep and emotional needs etc week by week.

The sessions were 2 hrs long, started with educational part and OT followed by very welcomed tea & biscuits then the final hour was light exercise, some people in chairs and winding down with meditation and mindfulness. It was so comprehensive and compassionate the care.

I really welcomed the programme being in person, I heard some trusts in Northern Ireland are running these online and I cant stress enough how important it was to have this in person ad be in a group setting.

Sharon was the nutritionist who was super knowledgeable and also Lorraine (OT) the programme lead was exceptional as well as Tieni the physio knew each one of us by name was also a delight.

I truly hope this positive feedback goes someway to allowing the programme to be funded and not moved online.

They addressed the chronic fatigue syndrome and was a good mix of realism and hope given to each of us. We have been since referred onto Rehab and exercise such as Pilates, they even brought in a graduate from a previous cohort who shared her good experience too of no longing requiring a walking stick which was amazing to hear.

I hope this programme can continue in person as its so so worth while, we made some great friends and supported each other. Covid came and went and no one really talks about the aftermath and people like us left with long covid. 

Its really been a 5 * service from start to finish.