"Jess and the Re-stArt family have been integral in keeping me sane.  It’s so incredibly important to have a network of people who understand the long CoVid condition, an illness which, in the main, is greatly misunderstood.  Moreover, the opportunity to be distracted for a couple of hours to explore different activities and be creative in a nurturing and friendly environment is the most wonderful thing.  All the doctors and medical interventions thus far, have not offered the respite that Jess and her wonderful restArt team have done, and the friendship and understanding therein, so often have. Long may they continue, as I for one would be lost without them!"

Participant S - Group 1

"Getting ill with Long Covid can end up making you feel isolated and hopeless. Meeting monthly with like minded people who share my lived experience, and understand how it feels to be chronically ill is detrimental to my well being and recovery. I am stretching myself by trying out techniques I wouldn't attempt on my own and which teach me that taking small risks is ok, within a supported environment. The kindness the teacher leads these sessions with, the encouragement, and no pressure is something I started to apply to myself in other areas of my life. The monthly meetings and the friendships I have developed with other participants have become a very important part in my life, especially after being discharged by the Long Covid clinic."

 

Participant T - Group 3

"I love my monthly classes. It’s something fab I really look forward to. I wouldn’t manage doing any of the activities myself without the structure of this class due to my cognitive and physical long covid issues. It really helps to boost my mental health and reignites my creative side.  The tutors are so inclusive, with no pressure to have the screen or sound on. You have a choice to join in the group discussion if feel up to it. have felt nothing but support from Jess and the team. it’s so hard adjusting to life changing chronic illness and this is one of my special monthly glimmers.  "

Participant P - Group 2 

"The monthly restART classes have become hugely important to my well being. I look forward to the classes each month and am becoming more confident. It is a chance to also meet others going through similar things to myself and the tutors and the other participants are so empathetic, supportive and understanding. I have found a creative outlet that brings me joy with my limited energy capacity. Huge thank you to the re-stART Team and this wonderful project.

Participant M - Group 4

"re-stART is really special. To have tutors who knows what chronic fatigue feels like and so can recommend techniques that aren't going to give you PEM is really helpful. Jess and the team are passionate and skilled at what they do and hold the space really well."

Participant G - Group 3

"Long Covid stole not only my health, but also my career, my plans, my independence, my friends, my hobbies, my selfworth and my identity. Re-start art sessions gave me a new way to look at the world and to notice and appreciate the little things in life. Something to look forward to. A sense of achievement. A feeling of belonging. A group of friends with similar health issues, but without focussing on the negative. A safe space. A new direction. A confidence to try things. Thank you so much to Jess and all the Re-Start team and sponsors."

 

Participant H - Group 2