Starting October 31, 2012

A support group has begun for people living with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and FM (Fibromyalgia).

The main focus of the group is for members to support each other through acceptance, compassion and understanding, around the challenges of living with ME/CFS and FM. They do this through sharing of personal experiences, emotions, thoughts and reflections. Members look to each other not so much for advice as for empathy, connection and recognition of our shared experiences.

The group meets once a month, in the BCCPD Board room. Skype attendance is available for people who are physically unable to make meetings.

BCCPD is pleased to support this new group by providing meeting space.

For details, please visit the group’s website at mefmgroup.wordpress.com.

Great Outcomes for Kids Impacted by Severe Developmental Disabilities (GO4KIDDS) is seeking parents/caregivers of Canadian children and youth aged 10 to 16 years with severe developmental disabilities to participate in an anonymous survey. The survey is intended to identify needs and access to healthcare and other services.

GO4KIDDS is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Bright Futures for Children with Disabilities initiative.

The GO4KIDDS Health Care and Service System Utilization Survey includes 3 parts, each taking approximately 30-60 minutes to complete. The 3 parts can be completed at different times. Participants will be eligible to receive an honorarium of $50.00 after completing all 3 parts of the survey. The survey asks questions about parents/caregivers and family, the child’s behaviour, disability and services received or required, and feelings about the rewarding and challenging aspects of parenting a child with disabilities.

For more information, please visit http://www.go4kidds.ca
The survey can be found at http://www.surveymk.com/s/gohealth1

BCCPD’s Wellness & Disability Initiative/AIDS & Disability Action Program is delighted to announce two new resources featuring well-known Vancouver meditation instructor, Deborah Prieur. Mindfulness Meditation for Stress Reduction and Self Care is a video introduction and Guided Meditation on the Breath and Body Sensations is an audio guided meditation.

We are excited to offer this compelling and accessible introduction to Mindfulness meditation and welcome your feedback (email wdi@bccpd.bc.ca).  Access these resources through the links above or visit BCCPD’s YouTube channel for our complete collection of videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheBCCPD.