LONG TERM CONDITION SUPPORT GROUPS ON IW
GENERAL SUPPORT
John Cheverton Information and Support Centre, Earl Mounbatten Hospice
Health conditions covered – all life limiting conditions
The centre is open to anyone and everyone affected in anyway by any potentially life limiting illness
(this includes relatives, friends, carers and health care professionals). It is open Monday – Friday
10am-4pm on a drop in basis and has been designed to offer contact, support, information,
direction and help. Someone will always be available to listen to you and discuss your needs. We
warmly welcome everyone to the centre or alternatively please telephone
Contact
 01983 535319
 Email: infosupport@iwhospice.org
Carers IW & Quay Carers
Health conditions covered - Unpaid Adult Carers of Adults
Contact
Elizabeth Martin/Soo Scott
01983 533173
 carersiw@btconnect.com
 http://carersukiwbranch.wordpress.com
ALCOHOL SUPPORT
Al Anon, Isle of Wight family groups
Health conditions covered – Al Anon provide support to families surviving alcoholism.
Contact through the central office on
020 7403 0888
 enquiries@al-anonuk.org.uk
 http://www. al-anonuk.org.uk
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Weekly Al Anon family meetings take place at IDAS, 102 Carisbrooke Road, Newport PO30 1DB
at 7.30 pm on Mondays and 7.45 pm on Wednesdays at Arthur Webster Clinic, Landguard Manor
Road, Shanklin PO37 7HZ. These meetings are drop in sessions and you can just turn up.
ARTHRITIS
Isle of Wight Rheumatoid and Inflammatory Arthritis (NRAS) Group
Health conditions covered - Inflammatory Arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis,
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Contact
Hayley Bartlett
07708469764
 hayley@iwrias.org.uk
 http://www.iwrias.org.uk/
Isle of Wight Rheumatoid and Inflammatory Arthritis (NRAS) Group have a page and
group set up on Facebook.
Young Arthritis Support (IW)
Health conditions covered - Arthritis
Contact
Mark Earp
521766
 kitbridgefarm@yahoo.co.uk
Outreach service providing information, practical support; help with benefits applications and
signposting. Support is offered on a 1:1 basis for people aged 1 – 55.
AUTISM
AIM
Health conditions covered - AIM is a group on the Isle of Wight for adults (over 18) who have
Autism or Asperger’s, also known as an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Autistic Spectrum Condition
(ASC). It is not a group for parents or carers, or professionals. AIM is a user lead group. This means that
with support, people who have ASD will decide what happens in the group and help to run the group.
This social group is aimed at helping people who have ASD who may feel lonely, or find it difficult
to meet people and make friends. The group will choose where to meet together and what
activities to do. We will support members to find people who have shared interests, and build
friendships. We hope to have a range of activities that are chosen by members.
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We also have an advocacy group, to listen to what adults with ASD have to say about life on the
Isle of Wight, and to make changes.
Contact
01983 523000 and ask to speak to the AIM coordinator.
 aimisleofwight@gmail.com
ASTHMA
Isle of Wight Asthma Swim group
Health conditions covered - asthma
The Isle of Wight Asthma Swim group was formed in 1984 by the Isle of Wight Branch of what is
now Asthma UK to encourage people with asthma to enjoy exercise. Swimming is known to be
the least provocative exercise for asthmatics.
Contact
Liz Bell
 01983 564356
CANCER
John Cheverton Information and Support Centre, Earl Mounbatten Hospice
Health conditions covered – Cancers and other life limiting conditions
The centre is open to anyone and everyone affected in anyway by any potentially life limiting illness
(this includes relatives, friends, carers and health care professionals). It is open Monday – Friday
10am-4pm on a drop in basis and has been designed to offer contact, support, information,
direction and help. Someone will always be available to listen to you and discuss your needs. We
warmly welcome everyone to the centre or alternatively please telephone
Contact
 01983 535319
 Email: infosupport@iwhospice.org
Health conditions covered – Cancers and other life limiting conditions
Cancer changes everything….. A Penny Brohn Living Well Course can help you to gain a
sense of control and make positive changes by finding your own way to live well with the impact of
cancer. It has been designed to work alongside your medical treatment, providing you with
support at any stage of your cancer journey; before, during and after treatment. It is offered free
and is available to anyone and their close supporter whose life has been impacted by cancer.
Contact
 Helpline 0845 123 2310
 Penny Brohn Cancer Care: 01275 370 100
 Email: info@pennybrohn.org
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Bowel cancer – Semi Colon Group, supported by Macmillan Cancer Care
Health conditions covered – Bowel cancer support, including carers
Contact
Mr A C Crowson
 01983 528643
 cjtinson@gmail.com
 www.semicoloniow.org
Applegate Breast Care Support Group
Health conditions covered – Breast Cancer
Contact
Mary Seymour
 07814699470 or 290206
 mary_tutuila@uwclub.net
We meet at the Riverside Centre, Newport on the first Thursday of every month between 10.30
– 12.30. The support group consists of a group of women in similar situations who meet on a
regular basis to share their concerns. Refreshments are available. Different topic of interest
discussed every month.
Apple Blossoms
Health conditions covered – Breast Cancer
Apple Blossoms is a new group for ladies under the age of 50 diagnosed with breast cancer. The
group will be meeting on the 1st Wednesday of each month in Newport at the 'Man in the Moon’
at 6.30pm. Come along for a meal, drink & chat. The venue may vary in the future so do ring or e
mail to check before your first visit.
Contact:
 Amanda - 07742152175
 Lisa - 0797089433
 appleblossomsIW@outlook.com
Head and neck cancer support group
Health conditions covered – All head and neck related cancer patients and their carers, family
and friends. Currently meeting at the John Cheverton Centre.
Contact
Mrs June Ring
 01983 761610
Mrs Mary Seymour
 07814699470
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Prostate & other Urology Cancer Support Group, IW
Health conditions covered – All patients, carers and friends of those with Urological cancers
but predominately Prostate Cancer. Support Group meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of
every month (excepting December) 6 p.m. at Wessex Cancer Centre, Lugley St., Newport."
Contact
Dave Kiely
 01983 407662
 davekielyiow@aol.com
 www.isleofwighturologycancersupportgroup.org.uk
Upper GI cancer Support Group
Health conditions covered – All those with upper gastrointestinal cancers, carers, friends and
family. Currently meeting at the John Cheverton Centre.
Contact
Mrs June Ring
Ursula Clark
 01983 761610
Skin cancer support group
Health conditions covered – All those with skin cancers, their carers, family and friends.
Currently meeting at the John Cheverton Centre
Contact
Mrs June Ring
 01983 761610
Mrs Mary Seymour
 07814699470
CARERS
Carers IW
Health conditions covered - Unpaid Adult Carers of Adults
Contact
Elizabeth Martin/Soo Scott
01983 533173
 info@carersiw.org.uk
 www.carersiw.org.uk
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DEMENTIA
Alzheimer Café Isle of Wight
Health conditions covered - Dementia – all types
Contact
Katy Peplow
01983 220200
 Alzheimercafe.iow@btconnect.com
 www.alzheimercafeiow.org.uk
 Facebook – AlzheimerCafeIOW
 Twitter - @AzCafeIOW
An Alzheimer Café is a form of group support for people with Dementia, their families and friends.
Its purpose is to provide psychological education about Dementia in a café style setting and create
opportunities for people to ‘stay connected’ with each other.
There are six Cafes Island wide with a 7th due to open September 2015:
COWES- 2nd Wednesday monthly 2- 4.30pm The Masonic Centre, Castle Road, Cowes. PO31 7QY
NEWPORT- Last Thursday monthly 6pm-830pm St John’s Church Hall Nodehill Newport PO30 1EQ
RYDE- 1st Friday monthly 1130am-2pm All Saints Church, Queens Road, Ryde PO33 3BG
TOTLAND- 3rd Wednesday monthly 2-4.30pm St Saviour’s Holy Family Centre, Weston Lane PO39 0HE
SANDOWN- 2nd Tuesday monthly 6pm-8.30pm The Methodist Church York Road Sandown Po36 8ET
VENTNOR- 1st Wednesday monthly 2-4.30pm Baptist Church, Pier Street, Ventnor PO38 1SX
DIABETES
Diabetes UK Isle Of Wight Voluntary Group
Health conditions covered - Diabetes
Contact
Richard Newnham
 01983280870
 ricnewnham@onwight.net
 http://isle-of-wight.diabetesukgroup.org/home/iow---home.asp
Local branch of Diabetes UK. The group meet on a monthly basis with informative lectures and
to enable people to meet each other.
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IW Diabetes Support and Voluntary Groups
Health conditions covered - Diabetes
Contact
Graham Hall
 01983 873292
 grhm.hall@btinternet.om
 www.iowdiabetessupportgroup.co.uk
Support and voluntary groups also exist around the Island to give guidance, support, and lifestyle
advice and provide training and education. You can find out more about a group near to you by
contacting a Diabetes Peer Advisor on the number above. The group also produces Sweet Pea
magazine twice a year.
FIBROMYALGIA
Isle of Wight Fibromyalgia Support Group
Health conditions covered
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
ME
The group meets on the 2nd Tuesday on the month (except August and December) at 1.30 until 4pm All
Saints Church, Ryde. Cost is £3 per meeting which includes refreshments. Carers go free to first meeting,
discounts apply for subsequent meetings. Lending library and Monthly newsletter available.
Contact
Karen Smith
 0844 887 2346
 iwfmsg.fibromates@gmail.com
www.isleofwightfibromyalgia.webs.com
Facebook Fibromates-Isle of Wight Fibromyalgia Support Group
Facebook Friends of Fibromates IW for friends, or family of sufferers & non-members
with FM, CFS and ME
HEARING IMPAIRMENT
Action on Hearing Loss Sensory Service IOW
Health conditions covered
Action on Hearing Loss Sensory Service Isle of Wight provides support services to adults living
with hearing loss or dual hearing and sight loss on the Isle of Wight on behalf of the Isle of Wight
Council.
Diagnosed hearing loss (either privately or through the NHS).
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Dual sensory loss (deafblind).
Contact
Ann Emery, Service Manager
 01983 529533, Textphone: 01983 529998
 IOW@hearingloss.org.uk
 www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk
Services include free home assessment and free equipment loan service based on the assessment
of needs, mobility training, access to specialist advice and support for anyone with a sensory loss,
befriending and coffee mornings and monthly drop in clinics across the Island for maintenance of
NHS hearing aids.
HEART DISEASE
Isle of Wight Heart Care Club
Health conditions covered - All heart conditions
Contact
Mrs Lyn Smith
 01983 296091
 lynsmith250@hotmail.co.uk
 www.islandheartcareclub.org.uk
Heart2Heart
Heart2Heart is a new group for people who have a heart failure and their carers. It meets at
Whippingham Community Centre, Whippingham. There is some parking at the centre and
refreshments are available.
Contact
Michael Jones
 michael401@btinternet.com
Bob Brown
 01983 289665.
M.E. – MYALGIC ENCEPHALOPATHY/CHRONIC FATIGUE
SYNDROME
Hampshire Friends with M.E.
Contact
Vicky Mould
08458340325
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NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Epilepsy Society (Isle of Wight)
Health conditions covered - Epilepsy
Contact
Dave Piggott
 01983405825
 davidpiggott@yahoo.co.uk
Headway Isle of Wight
Health conditions covered - Head injury. We support anyone who has suffered a brain injury, the
families and carers.
Contact
Mrs Joy Cleightonhills
 01983 874651
 joy.headwayiow@gmail.com
 Facebook - Headway IOW
Huntington’s disease Association
Health conditions covered - Huntington’s Disease
Contact
Eve Payler
 02380 612218
 eve.payler@hda.org.uk
 www.hda.org.uk
Motor Neurone Disease Association, Isle of Wight branch
Health conditions covered
Motor Neurone Disease
Contact
Maureen Martinez
 01983 615 701
Ann Marchant
 annm.mndiow@talktalk.net
 www.mndiw.btck.co.uk
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Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, Isle of Wight Branch
Health Conditions Covered
Becker muscular dystrophy
Bethlem myopathy
Central core disease
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)
Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD)
Congenital myasthenia syndromes
Congenital myotonic dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSH)
Fibre-type disproportion
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP)
Inclusion body myositis (IBM)
Juvenile dermatomyositis
Limb girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD)
Limb girdle muscular dystrophy 1B (LGMD 1B)
Limb girdle muscular dystrophy 1C (LGMD 1C)
Limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2A (LGMD 2A)
Limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2B (LGMD 2B)
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2I (LGMD 2I)
Manifesting carriers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
McArdle disease
Merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy: MDC1A
Metabolic disorders
Minicore (multicore) myopathy
Mitochondrial myopathies
Myasthenia gravis
Myopathy
Myotonias
Myotonic dystrophy
Myotubular (centronuclear) myopathy
Nemaline myopathy
Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD)
Periodic paralyses
Polymyositis, dermatomyositis and sarcoid myopathy
Rigid spine syndrome
Sarcoglycanopathies: LGMD2C, LGMD2D, LGMD2E and LGMD2F
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy
Contact
Mr Colin M Baker
 01983 242961
 feathers455@hotmail.co.uk
 http://www.muscular-dystrophy.org/
 https://www.facebook.com/musculardystrophycampaign
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Multiple Sclerosis Society Isle of Wight Group
Health conditions covered
Multiple Sclerosis
Contact
Temporary contact: Jenny Harrod
 jenny.msiow_help@yahoo.co.uk
Myaware Isle of Wight group
Health conditions covered
Myasthenia Gravis(MG)
Ocular Myasthenia
Congenital Myasthenia
Lambert Eaton Myasthenia Syndrome (LEMS)
Contact
Mrs Lynne Pitcher
01983 761265
 piglettina@btopenworld.com
 www.myaware.org
Parkinson’s UK, IOW Branch
Health conditions covered - Parkinson’s disease
Contact
Mr Ron Tweedie
884913
 rtweedie750@gmail.com
Meetings take place around the Island. Other activities include exercise classes, curling and bowls,
an art and social group and hydrotherapy sessions.
Isle of Wight Association for Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus
Health conditions covered
Spina Bifida
Hydrocephalus
Contact
Sylvia Griffiths
 01983 863658
 minersgriff@hotmail.com
 www.iwasbah.com
 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Isle-of-Wight-Association-for-Spina-Bifida-andHydrocephalus/585664281508543
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OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Group
This group has been running for about two years and provides a free, confidential, safe
environment for people with OCD to discuss problems, worries, concerns and meet other people
with the condition. The group is open to anyone aged 14+ (those under 18 need to attend with a
parent/carer) and meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month between 6.30 and 8.30 at the Age UK
Offices in Newport.
Contact
Brian Taylor
07870 171990
briantaylor1938@talktalk.net
OSTEOPOROSIS
Isle of Wight Osteoporosis Support Group
This group meets to support people with osteoporosis, their families and their carers on the Isle
of Wight. Their meetings are held on Friday afternoon at Newport Methodist Church, Quay
Street, Newport, There are speakers on osteoporosis related subjects and it’s a friendly sociable
group.
Contact
Sylvia Whalley
 01983 524723
Heather Woodfield
01983 562642
www.nos.org.uk/isleofwight
PITUITARY SUPPORT
Solent Pituitary Support Group
Meets once a year on the Isle of Wight but regularly in Portsmouth
Contact
Melissa Reeds
melissa.reeds@glanvilles.co.uk
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RESPIRATORY DISEASE
Breathe Easy Isle of Wight / BLF Active Isle of Wight
Health conditions covered - support for anyone managing and living with a Chronic Lung
Condition
We are a support group for anyone living and managing a Chronic Lung Condition and we meet
every 2nd Friday of the month from 2pm - 4pm in the Respiratory Department, St Mary's
Hospital. (January, June and Sept Meetings are normally outings or meals held at other locations).
We are linked to the British Lung Foundation and are supported by the Respiratory Team. We
have a BLF Active Network of weekly exercise classes that are held in the Respiratory Gym and
various community centres and church halls across the Island. This is partly funded through the
CCG, Community Action IW and the My Life a Full Life Program. Classes are led by a qualified
Level 4 Chronic Respiratory and GP Referral Exercise specialist.
Contact
Andy Savage
 Andy Savage 01983 810932
 Respiratory Dept. 01983 552190
 ajsavage67@yahoo.co.uk
 British Lung Foundation www.lunguk.org
 Facebook: Breathe Easy IOW
Cystic fibrosis Trust – Portsmouth and Isle of Wight branch
Health conditions covered – Cystic fibrosis
Contact
Sue Kruk, Secretary
 Sue Kruk 023 92469104
 CFT Helpline 0300 373 1000
 enquiries@cysticfibrosis.org.uk
 zlkruk@waitrose.com
 www.facebook.com/CFPortsmouth
SLEEP DISORDERS
Sleepwell
Health conditions covered – sleep disorders and CPAP treatment
Contact
Tracy Jones, Lead Physiologist
Mike Douse - Chairman
 01983 552114
 isleofwightsleepwell@hotmail.co.uk
 www.sleepwell-iow.org
 Facebook: a link to join the closed Facebook group is available via the website
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STROKE
Isle of Wight Stroke Club
Health conditions covered - Stroke - CVA, TIA
Contact
Carole Greenham
Bob Stringer
 01 983 869 100
 enquiries@wightfightingstroke.org
 www.wightfightingstroke.org
 https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/groups/i.o.w.strokeclub/
Stroke Support, Isle of Wight – The Stroke Association
Health conditions covered - Stroke
Information, advice and support for stroke survivors and their close network to manage the
impact of stroke
Contact
Mary Barton, Information, Advice and Support Co-ordinator
Maeve Fuller, Information, Advice and Support Co-ordinator
 01983 898301
 iow@stroke.org.uk
 www.stroke.org
Communication support for people who have experienced stroke
Health conditions covered - Stroke –Support for those whose communication has been
affected by stroke
Contact
Tina Cutting, Communication Support Co-ordinator
 01983 612729
 iow@stroke.org.uk
 www.stroke.org
Different Strokes, Isle of Wight
Health conditions covered - Stroke
Exercise classes for younger stroke survivors held at Laidlaw Hospital, St Mary’s Hospital, and
Newport. Classes are a great opportunity to meet and share experiences with other stroke
survivors. Classes are designed to accommodate a wide range of abilities and medical conditions.
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You can join at any time and attend as many sessions as you like. You can bring a carer or partner
with you. The group is run by stroke survivor volunteers.
Contact
Sue Preater
 01983 533236
 isleofwight@differentstrokes.co.uk
TINNITUS
Tinnitus Support Group
The Tinnitus Support Group meets 4 times a year at Riverside, Quay Street, Newport. They are a wellestablished group but are really very welcoming to new members.
Contact
Pete Coulson
 pete.coulson@talktalk.net
TOURETTES
Isle of Wight Tourette’s Group
On line support and group meetings available.
Contact
Jennifer Smallman
 Jennifersmallman@outlook.com
IOW Tourette’s Support Group – Facebook page
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT
Isle of Wight Society for the Blind
Health conditions covered
Visual Impairment – all aspects.
Support to families and friends of people with a visual impairment
Contact
Estelle Thomas
01983 522205
 enquiries@iwsb.org.uk
 www.iwsb.org.uk
The website is currently being re written to take into account new services
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WORK OPPORTUNITIES
The Shaw Trust
Work and Choice Programme. Specialist Support for people with disabilities to find and stay in
work.
Contact
Lynette David
03002 472360
lynette.david@shaw-trust.org.uk
Updated July 2015
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