Local meet-ups are a relaxed and welcoming way for members to connect, share experiences and support each other.
Hosted by volunteers in venues such as cafés, community halls, pubs or occasionally private homes, they provide an informal opportunity to chat, exchange advice and enjoy good company over a cup of tea or coffee.
If you think you would enjoy reaching out to other people in your area with Addison's or another form of adrenal insufficiency, get in touch and we here to support you.
Pick a venue
Find a venue that’s comfy and safe for everyone. Great past venues include cafes, parks and member homes. Please check whether there are accessible toilets, fire procedures and first aid kits? You may be able to claim back the cost of some expenses foo hosting your meet-up so please check with us directly about our policy.
Be a welcoming host
Set a relaxed tone, encourage open conversation, and remind everyone to be respectful and kind. It’s all about creating a space where people feel safe to share.
Welcoming members
To keep things safe and supportive, we ask that only ADSHG members attend. It’s great to have a mix of ages at meetings! If someone under 18 would like to join, they’re very welcome - we just ask that they bring along a parent or guardian.
Be prepared (just in case!)
Collect emergency contact information from attendees and call the emergency services in the event of an emergency.
Keep things private
Please keep any personal stories or details shared at the meeting confidential. If you take any photos, just check everyone’s happy to be included. After the meeting, feel free to share a little summary (and any pictures!) with us at opssupport@addisons.org.uk
Stay in touch
A short follow-up message to attendees after the meeting can make a big difference. It’s a lovely way to thank people for coming and keep the community feeling going. You can even share a few helpful ADSHG links or resources.
We are here to support you!
Once you sign up, we'll be in touch to share the next steps, help you promote your meet up on our website and social media, and send you some resources and information to share on the day.
A snapshot of some of our most recent local meet-ups
22 Aug 2026, Wendy, Shoreham on sea
Most members came with partners or close friends, the people closest to them and most likely to help in an emergency. The message of the day was simple: be prepared. With training kits, oranges and a little apprehension, everyone worked in pairs, taking turns to practise and observe. It was a valuable opportunity to talk openly about fears around emergency injections, helping build confidence and encouraging continued practice at home.
8 Aug, 2026, Julia, Annette & Deana, Surrey
The main topic of conversation was how everyone copes with the heat!! It seems we all deal with it in different ways, but having more salt was a common factor. Everyone had come from different areas, so were under the care of different hospitals and shared very different stories of how their ongoing care is managed. We all discussed the difficulty of preparing an emergency injection, and how wonderful it would be if we had our own version of an EpiPen to use instead. Perhaps we can look forward to this in the future.
5 July, 2026, Debbie & Zoe, Chelmsford
We had 15 attendees, including 11 people living with Addison's disease or adrenal insufficiency and four guests. Once again, everyone shared their diagnosis stories before breaking for lunch, followed by the opportunity to chat in smaller groups and get to know one another better. The event was warmly received, with attendees appreciating the chance to meet others who understood their experiences, and a number of ADSHG leaflets were also taken away.
May 2026, Jan, Beckenham
We had a wonderful afternoon, welcoming both familiar faces and several new members to the group. Conversations covered the realities of living with Addison's and adrenal insufficiency, from healthcare experiences to the impact the condition can have on emotional wellbeing. Noel updated everyone on the discontinuation of liquid hydrocortisone for emergency injections and encouraged members to support the campaign by contacting their MPs. We also enjoyed a memorable performance from a newer member, who shared a song he had written about Addison's disease, before rounding off the afternoon with plenty of tea, cake and laughter.
Looking to attend a meet-up?
Check out our 'Events' page to find out if there is an upcoming local meet-ups near you.
