About Scleroderma & Raynaud's (SRUK) Support Groups

What is an SRUK Support Group?

SRUK support groups are active, social groups that meet regularly. Each group is run by a support leader who maintains contact with all members. Our group leaders are all volunteers who have some experience of these conditions themselves.

We have support groups across the UK: 

• England 
• Scotland
• Northern Ireland 
• Wales

Find out more about our support groups in your area, click here.

Groups bring together people from a local area to provide them with the opportunity to share experiences with each other and discuss the realities of living with scleroderma and Raynaud’s.

Every group is different as they reflect the needs of the local community. They are shaped by the group leaders and its attendees. Our groups do share some common features as they exist to:

• Provide support to people living with Scleroderma and Raynaud’s.
• Share experiences and information.
• Raise awareness about Scleroderma and Raynaud’s and their impact on people’s lives.

“I would be lost without the SRUK support group Northern Ireland after being diagnosed last year. Knowing someone has gone through the same challenges this disease throws as us helps emotionally too and we all try and support each other when we’re down”.

ROISIN, SUPPORT GROUP MEMBER

Support Groups – Coronavirus Update

As a health organisation, our focus is to continue supporting our group leader and all group members. We have advised our support group leaders to suspend all upcoming face-to-face meetings, following the government advice that people who are immunocompromised should avoid social contact.

Face-to-face meetings can resume once the epidemic has cleared, and we will keep you updated with guidance on when it will be safe to attend meetings again. This guidance will support efforts to delay and contain the threats posed by the coronavirus outbreak.

Several of our support groups are now running virtual meetings to stay connected. Please contact us for more information about how to get involved.

Find your nearest support group

You can find your local support group by searching our Near You map. To join our support groups, please call our main number on 020 3893 5998. You can also use the form on contact us.

Who can join a support group?

All our groups welcome anyone affected by Scleroderma and Raynaud’s as well as those who want to know more about the condition. Equally important members are family and carers who can find it helpful to share thoughts and feelings with others who are looking after relatives.

How are SRUK support groups run?

Most support groups meet monthly at a time and place that is suitable for members. This is often during an afternoon, evening or at weekends. During the coronavirus pandemic our support groups are meeting virtually. Face-to-face meetings will resume when it is safe to do so. These meetings may take place at a centre in the hospital of in a local hotel, local coffee shop or community venue. Your local SRUK support group provides an opportunity for people affected by Scleroderma and Raynaud’s to come along and chat with people in a similar situation.

If there is not a group near you at present, do get in touch as we are keen to support new groups where there is an interest. Please email oliver.scott@sruk.co.uk