A FREE support group for adults aged 18 to 45 with chronic physical conditions has achieved charitable status.

CWTCH (Pembrokeshire) aims to reduce dependency on the local health board by helping members suffering with life-long illnesses such as Arthritis, MS, Asthma, and Diabetes to help themselves.

CWTCH’s committee began the process of becoming a bona fide charity in March this year, with the support of Anne Isaac at PAVS.

“It’s taken all this time because most of the people on the committee have a chronic illness themselves,” said CWTCH co-founder Beth Job. “We are so pleased to have achieved this. It’s as if we’ve been “put on the map”. Now people know we are a registered charity, they trust us and are happy to donate to our cause.”

CWTCH provides information, services, talks and activities for younger adults that are designed to help them feel better. If people are too ill to make the meetings, the group has a Facebook page and an on-line forum.

“Our group is informal and fun,” said Beth. “We want to give our members a bit of “time out” from their illnesses. Getting together also prevents members from feeling isolated.”

Paula Rogers, 44, suffers from a rapid progression form of MS. She moved to Pembrokeshire to be nearer her parents.

“I left my friends behind,” said Paula. “My parents are wonderful, but coming to CWTCH has made a big difference to me and has really improved the quality of my life. I’ve made new friends and I don’t have to explain anything, because people understand my difficulties. We have a good laugh and a joke. I really recommend it.”

CWTCH meets on the first Friday of every month at Furzy Park Community Centre in Haverfordwest.

For more information visit www.cwtch-pembrokeshire.co.uk or phone Beth on 07974 543874.