We have been running CES Workshops, face to face support group meetings and events across the UK for the past ten years.
Our first meeting was held ten years ago in a pub in Chester and was very well attended. It proved very popular and we were asked if we could provide more meetings for others across the country on a regular basis. So, we set about organising these meetings. Eventually we were hosting meetings in 18 different locations across the country, and this has developed into the service it is today.
Residential Workshops
The final two of our 2024 CES Workshops are now open for reservations. The dates and locations are:
- Sunday 29th – Monday 30th September – Birmingham
- Sunday 17th – Monday 18th November – Sheffield
We’d like to invite group members living with CES plus one loved one. The workshop will cover all things CES and will provide a welcoming, caring group environment. Each workshop will include:
- An overnight hotel stay on Sunday night.
- Three course group meal on Sunday night in the hotel restaurant.
- Breakfast on Monday morning followed by CES workshop (approx. 10am to 2pm) with lunch and refreshments included.
The cost of the event will be covered by the charity except for parking/travel. We ask that you pay for the hotel room up front (this will be non-refundable) and we will reimburse the cost of the room (up to £100) after you have attended the event. Unfortunately, if you book the room but don’t attend the event, we will be unable to reimburse the cost of the room.
Please email [email protected] for further information and to reserve your place.
Online Support Groups
As the charity has grown, we rely on our wonderful CES volunteers who hold regular coffee meet ups in their local areas. They offer people the chance to make friends close to where they live and share experiences and tips about living with CES. To see the list of upcoming coffee mornings (hosted by fellow CES sufferers) please visit this link – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/cauda-equina-champions-charity-1187294-27827793471
Meetings aren’t just for patients, and we welcome family members, friends and carers who come along as well to support their loved ones. Refreshments are provided by the charity and guest speakers are welcome to come along and share information that might be beneficial to our members.
“When I hosted our first support group meeting I met people who have remained my friends to this day. I also remember the lady who had suffered with cauda equina syndrome for over ten years and was completely isolated at home. She was reliant on a community nurse who came to evacuate her bowels once a month. I couldn’t believe that she had to live like this. Her trauma and distress has always stuck with me and we were delighted to be able to offer her our support. She was no longer alone and had somewhere to turn.”
Claire, Champions Charity Founder
If you would like to know more about our face to face meetings you can sign up to our regular monthly newsletters to keep up to date.
Sign UpStart a Local Support Group
Perhaps you would like to hold one in your own area with our support? If so please get in touch at [email protected] and register your interest.
We also hold monthly virtual support group meetings that you can join if there isn’t a meeting near to where you live. Look out for updates on our events pages and subscribe to our newsletter.
Testimonials from CES Watford workshop
“The meeting was incredible. The first time I have really faced my problem. Everyone was incredible and it was so lovely chatting with others who have experienced what I have.”
“Absolutely fabulous. I felt really looked after and “SEEN”. Great to meet others of a similarage and circumstances. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Claire and Team.”
“Really helpful. Learned a lot about ongoing rehab care and signposting to advice”
“It was awesome”
“It was great to meet up with others with similar needs and learn about where we can go for help”
“I could not be more grateful for the generosity of this workshop”
“It was very informative and helpful. I feel grateful to have been part of the workshop. Finally,some support for CES sufferers like myself.”