From #MEAction. People with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) have been concerned since the start of the coronavirus pandemic that a subset of COVID-19 patients will go on to develop ME/CFS. Unfortunately, we are already hearing from many COVID-19 survivors around the world that they are continuing to experience debilitating symptoms for many months, even […]
By Wilhelmina Jenkins in #MEAction. When I became ill in 1983 with what is now called ME/CFS, my life as I knew it was abruptly destroyed. I dropped into a world of pain, exhaustion, and dozens of other baffling symptoms, most particularly the cognitive disruption that robbed me of the life in physics that […]
From #MEAction. It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of ME community advocate, Cindy Siegel Shepler. Cindy lived with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and multiple other health issues. She dedicated much of her increasingly limited time and energy to advocacy, increased awareness, and increasing research funds for ME. She had a […]
From ME Action. So I’ve been doing this fundraiser, where I try to get 1000 body weight reps done in half an hour every day to raise money for #meaction. It’s been a test for me in listening to my body, and knowing when to slow down, rest, or even skip a day. And it […]
From #MEAction. Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is a debilitating, chronic disease that steals so much from the person. Parents with ME are missing precious days and years with their children due to the disease, and parents of children with ME are fighting to provide care for their sick children in a world where there is […]
By Jonny Foster in #MEAction. The love of my life battles ME/CFS. It’s a disease that my father has also struggled with since I was a boy, so it’s one I know well. I knew life wasn’t going to be simple when we met, but I dove in head-first anyway. I can’t say […]
By #MEAction. In the past two weeks, The Guardian UK and Psychology Today US have published articles portraying the myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) community as an angry, misguided mob using social media to denigrate scientific research. Both articles focus on the criticism that Dr. Michael Sharpe, one of the key authors of the PACE trial and […]
By Marianne Granger in #MEAction. In my forties I was moving forward fulfilling my drive to be a community organiser/communicator/coach (my day job) and also a screenwriter (a remnant of my earlier training and work as a stage actor). Being there for my grown children and reveling in the bliss of holding my grandchildren […]
From #MEAction. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), commonly known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or ME/CFS, is a devastating multi-system disease that causes dysfunction of the neurological, immune, endocrine and energy metabolism systems. It often follows an infection and leaves 75% of those affected unable to work and 25% homebound are bedridden. An estimated 15-30 million […]
By Wilhelmina Jenkins in #MEAction. When I became ill in 1983 with what is now called ME/CFS, my life as I knew it was abruptly destroyed. I dropped into a world of pain, exhaustion, and dozens of other baffling symptoms, most particularly the cognitive disruption that robbed me of the life in […]
By Jack Croxall in #MEAction. I came to on the floor of a supermarket in an affluent London borough. I was staring up at a paneled ceiling, half-blinded by piercing white lights. After a groggy moment of confusion, panic set in. I leapt up, finding myself in the middle of a queue […]
From #MEAction. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), commonly known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or ME/CFS, is a devastating multi-system disease that causes dysfunction of the neurological, immune, endocrine and energy metabolism systems. It often follows an infection and leaves 75% of those affected unable to work and 25% homebound are bedridden. An estimated 15-30 million […]
By Adriane Tillman in #MEAction. Allies are critical to the success of any movement and even more so in the case of people with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). So many people with ME are bedridden or housebound and unable to participate in some advocacy and activist actions. While we at #MEAction work hard to […]
By Erica Verrillo, who is President of the American ME and CFS Society (AMMES) in #MEAction. Years ago, Dr. Bell made the observation that many people currently living in cars most likely had chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). (The acronym myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) was not used at that time.) Under any circumstances, the threat of homelessness […]
From #MEAction. As always, our community continues to amaze us with its tenacity, creativity, intellect, hard work and generosity. Enjoy a round-up of some of the community happenings these past few months where people with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) around the world continue to fight for recognition, treatment, care and dignity. Austrian broadcast station @ATV […]
By Zeraph Dylan Moore in #MEAction. Here is a question for you: Is your life small or large? How do you know? Is it possible to have a big life in a single, small room? Or to lead a small life that is lived in many places? Questions like these have become more pertinent to […]
By Susan Cole in #MEAcion. ME history was made this week in the historic capital of Scotland when delegates at the Scottish Liberal Democrats autumn conference voted to support conference motion SC5: Investing in ME – Recognition, Research, and Education. So it’s official, the motion, drawn up in consultation with #MEAction Scotland, is […]
From #MEAction. On 25th May 2018, NICE held an engagement workshop with stakeholders, looking at the draft scope for the new guideline on ME/CFS. This is the second workshop held by NICE in which stakeholders were given a chance to influence the development of the new guidelines. The draft scope will be amended […]
By Caroline Christian in #MEAction. I am lucky in that I did not realize the fallibility of medicine until I reached the age of 38. This is when I was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), a devastating neuroimmune disease wrongly believed by many doctors to be a psychiatric condition. Throughout the past decade of navigating […]
From #MEAction. ME advocate Mary Dimmock has written a comprehensive report about the flawed science that led to the recommendation of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. The patient community has long reported these treatments to be ineffective and harmful, and, yet, health societies and […]
From #MEAction. Trial Uses Flawed Methodology That Can Lead To False Positives Following the release of the results of the SMILE trial, Ben HsuBorger of ME Action said: “The SMILE trial of the Lightning Process, a known quack treatment, for ME/CFS, used unblinded treatment coupled with subjective, self-report outcomes. It illustrates that such serious […]
By Adriane Tillman in #MEAction. Johanna Kaiser, a person who has had ME for decades, sent this open letter over Labor Day to Dr. Walter Koroshetz, director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and Dr. Francis Collins, director of National Institutes of Health (NIH). Staff member Adriane Tillman only posted the article. Dear Dr. Walter Koroshetz and […]
By Cort Johnson in Health Rising. An entire state goes “ME”. That’s never happened before. Courtney Miller of Simmaron, Emily Taylor of the Solve ME/CFS Initiative, MEAction and the USAWG worked together to enroll the entire Nevada Congressional delegation to put its total support behind increased funding for ME/CFS. This is notable not just […]
By Adrianne Tillman in #MEAction. Government moves slow. Any action requires lengthy processes – all of the checks and balances intended to create better, more deliberate legislation. Activists for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) across the country understand the sausage-making well as they have sought for their state legislators to recognize the urgent challenges […]
From #MEAction. A view from the US. The National Institute of Health’s RFA for ME/CFS Collaborative Research Centers breaks new ground. For the first time, the funding agency is strongly encouraging researchers “to establish partnerships with patients groups and solicit their input” as part of their research plan. #MEAction assembled a […]
From #MEAction. Whether you are a musician, poet or puppeteer, expressing yourself through a body devastated by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is suddenly an impossible feat – and an improbable opportunity. #MEAction is excited to announce the launch of a virtual concert called #Bedfest on May 6th to […]
By Sasha Nimmo in #MEAction. The University of South Australia has approval to begin the trial, “Active video gaming to increase physical activity in adults with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.” The study has no set research criteria, despite studies that show 2 out of 5 patients are misdiagnosed with CFS/ME in Australia. The study does not […]
From MEAction. Recently, #MEAction sat down with Julie Rehmeyer to discuss her new book Through the Shadowlands, her op-ed in the New York Times with David Tuller, and next steps. What made you embark on a project like Through the Shadowlands? I’m a writer, and it was a big experience I was […]
From #MEAction. A View From The USA. The Illinois House of Representatives will vote on a state resolution this Thursday, March 23 that recognizes Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) as a tragic, disabling disease, and that commits the state to improving the availability and quality of medical care, as well as encourages universities in Illinois […]
By Adrianne Tillman in #MEACTION. Momentum continues from the #MillionsMissing campaign that was born last May. Activists took to the streets worldwide in 11 cities in May – and in 25 cities in September – to protest their government’s neglect of people with ME. While the posters are now stored away, activism […]
Demand equality for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis #MillionsMissing is a movement to raise awareness for M.E., an underfunded and ignored disease. This September 27th, 25 cities in nine countries will demand change. We will present protest demands asking for increased government funding for research, clinical trials, medical education and public awareness. It’s not too […]
#MEAction has sent an 11,000-signature petition to The Lancet, calling for the retraction of “misleading” analyses and claims published in a 2011 PACE trial paper concerning the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy and graded exercise therapy for ME/CFS. Copies of the petition, which when printed were over 400 pages, were also delivered to the UK […]
What was the study? Researchers used 100 blood samples from the Solve ME/CFS Biobank of patients who were long-term patients of expert clinicians and met the Fukuda and/or Canadian Consensus case definitions. These blood samples were compared in a blinded method with 79 healthy control samples from people who were matched on criteria such […]
As has been stated by Dr Sarah Jarvis and others, it’s possible that the Coronavirus could trigger M.E. in those people who get through the worst of the virus, and are seen to be in the recovery phase.
Please do not think that once you’re in that phase that you should just get back to your normal routine. As someone who has just passed his 14th anniversary with ME, the most important thing you can do is rest.
Resting should be from both physical and mental / cognitive activities.
Do not push beyond what your body is telling you. Your head might tell you something different, and you’ll be keen to make up for lost time, but please take advantage of this lockdown to recover properly. If you push beyond your limited energies now, and M.E. follows, it could change your life for years to come.
Be sensible and rest up. Take care.
If you wish to apply for a Blue Badge in the York area, or wish to know if you qualify, click on the link below:
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The first Monday of each month at 11 am - The York ME Community Coffee Club at Bar Convent, 17 Blossom Street, York. There is parking available just around the corner at Nunnery Lane Car Park. Blue Badge holders can park for free.
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The third Wednesday of each month - at 2 pm - The York ME Community Coffee Club at The Novotel, York. Parking is free at the hotel.
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Weekly - Every Wed, 8 pm - 9 pm on Twitter, ME Awareness Hour using the #MEAwarenesshour hashtag.
The 15th Invest in ME Research International ME Conference 2020 - IIMEC15 - will take place on 30th May 2020 in London.
15 years of researchers, clinicians and patients interacting.
More details of the conference day will be announced in the coming months. It will be preceded by the 10th Invest in ME Research International Biomedical Research into ME Colloquium - BRMEC10 - a two day closed researchers' meeting with researchers from around the word, and the third year of a full day Thinking the Future - Young/ECR Conference for young and early career investigators.
Would you like to help your local community ?
By current research, there are around 800 people in the York area suffering from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). This might include the work colleagues you haven't seen in some time, or your friends and family, maybe one of the lads who hasn't turned up for five-a-side for a while.
There's information at the top of this site to explain how it affects people and ruins lives. These are your neighbours; would you like to help ? To read the rest of this request, click on the link below:
Helpfulpeeps is a platform that allows people in any given area to ask for and offer help to one another. Although this is a nationwide facility, by adding your street name, the system automatically drops a pin on that location and you only see posts from a 20 mile radius. You have the option to narrow or widen this radius. I hope this is a useful facility for members of our Community.
After a pretty tough time, the guys riding as part of The Nomadic Knights group, made it to Everest Base Camp. I hope we can use this story to gain interest from media sources to help raise awareness for us all. It's the least the guys deserve for all their efforts.
19 May 2017.
“Very pleased to report that we reached Mt Qomolangma (Everest) Base Camp with the ME Awareness Flag at 1528hrs on Thursday 18th May. Three and a half hours after we had planned but time in Tibet can sometimes be very fluid. The base camp is located at 5200m, walking to the final destination was challenging in itself due to low oxygen levels.
Conditions at base camp were extremely windy (good for flag flying) with intermittent clouds with no particular destination in mind and the sun was not ideal for photos."
The aim is to share ideas in promoting various disability services, whilst continuing to raise Awareness of ME through both organisations. Through their #Think Access group and our own group, The York Access and Mobility Club, we will be looking at accessibility issues in the York & Harrogate areas, with the aim of advising on suggestions for change.
Disability Action Yorkshire aim to find solutions for disabled people whatever their aspirations. Whether you are a disabled person or support someone who is, they are here to support you. They provide a range of services, from training to accommodation and help with independence, among others. To find out more about Disability Action Yorkshire, click on the link below:
As we all know, especially those who need Wheelchairs or Mobility Scooters to get around, vehicles parking on pavements and blocking our way can have a major effect on our lives. It can mean that we are likely to put ourselves in danger by going onto busy roads because of inconsiderate parking. 
If you live in Fulford York, the details of your local PCSO are below, and he should be contacted in the first instance. If he is not on duty, you may be dealt with by whoever is on duty. If you live in other areas of York, ring 101 and ask for the PCSO covering your area. In all cases, you will be required to give as much information about the vehicle and location as possible. You will NOT need to stay by the vehicle till the police arrive.
Simon Hall
PCSO 5648
North NPT
NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE
Dial 101, press option 2 and ask for him by his full name or collar number
If using his collar number please state each number individually
Access Your Life is a site run by Felix and Lauren, with a little input from Fliss, the dog!
The site is full of great information that I feel will benefit many within The York ME Community and beyond.
To go to Access Your Life, click on the link below:
Carol Monaghan SNP spoke in Westminster Hall about the need for support and funds for ME Research. Many other MP's spoke passionately on the subject as it affects their constituents UK wide. Click on the link below to watch the full debate.
There has since been an All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) formed to discuss the way ahead in helping MP's Constituents with ME. Contact your MP to ensure they're representing you !
Debbie North, our TOG wheelchair walk designer uses an off-road mobility scooter, also called an all terrain hopper to access the countryside and wants to inspire other wheelchair users to do the same through her wheel friendly walks.
Wheelchair friendly walks are a selection of walks that the TOG team have carefully selected for families using pushchairs, wheelchairs or bicycles.
The Jen Brea ME film 'Unrest', about her story and struggle with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is available on Amazon and iTunes and through the Unrest UK Store on DVD and Blu-Ray by clicking on this link: Unrest site
Please spread the word through your GP, MP, Company HR Teams and any other people of influence you may know. Thank you.
One of the major questions raised is the blending of ME with CFS. This chart on the Hummingbirds site illustrates the many differences between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).
For confidential and independent advice for everyone on welfare benefits, debt, housing, employment, consumer rights and much more.
To go to the Government's Disability Benefits Advice Guide, click on the link below:
![old-telephone[1]](http://www.york-me-community.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/old-telephone1-300x240.jpg)
Helplines
COVID-19 Helpline for York - 01904 551550
or email: covid19help@york.gov.uk
NHS Health Enquiries (non emergency): 111
Samaritans: 01904 655888
Mind UK: 03001 233 393
Domestic Abuse: 03000 100 110
York Hospital: 01904 631313
Patient Transport Service: 01904 630080
Benefits Service: 01904 551556
Accessibility
Dial & Ride: 01904 551441
Shopmobility: 01904 679222
York Wheels: 01904 630080
Delivery Services
Virtual High St: www.yorkhighstreet.com
Alligator Wholefoods: 01904 654 525
Millie's Greengrocers: 07766 313 122
Food Circle: 07511 717 946
Miller Food Service: 01904 655 368
Poppy Caterers: 01347 878 628
Sheila's Greengrocers: 07470 308 824
M&K Butchers: 01904 639 300
Badger Hill Butchers: 01904 411 897
Burnholme Fisheries: 01904 421 360
Milk (Richard Cann): 07773 348 354
Services
York Electricians Ltd: 01904 373 045
Plumbtech: 07703 567 027
Yorkshire Plumbing: 08006 125 234
Local MP's
York Central Rachel Maskell: 01904 784847
York Outer Julian Sturdy: 01904 784847
Thirsk & Malton Kevin Hollinrake: 01347 666880
Councillor Keith Aspden: 01904 555 314
If you are a member of the elderly community or indeed somebody caring for an elderly person, this guide supplied by Covonia will give you important information on how to avoid getting sick, and how to care for coughs and colds should they happen.
The Changing Places Consortium launched its campaign in 2006 on behalf of the over 1/4 of a million people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. This includes people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, as well as older people.
To use the toilet in safety and comfort, many people need to be able to access a Changing Places, which have more space and the right equipment, including a height adjustable changing bench and a hoist.
To find out more, click on the link below to go to the Changing Places website.
The York Access and Mobility Club is a Facebook group which is aimed at improving Accessibility in York for those trying to get around with a Disability. Feedback on bad, and good Accessibility of shops, streets, cafes, restaurants and any other facilities are welcomed.
It's also the place to discuss mobility aids from walking sticks to scooters. If this sounds like a group for you, you're most welcome !
Time For Unrest: Why Patients With ME Are Demanding Justice.
If you want the full story on ME and will read just one article about it this year, please make it this one,
Are you a member of a York based Sports or Fitness Club ? Looking for a local cause to run or do an activity for ? The York ME Community are looking to be 'adopted' by anyone willing to maybe run for us and help raise our profile. There are likely to be around 800-1,000 people of all ages in the York area with ME who would be so very grateful for your help.
A TRUE STORY BY JESSICA TAYLOR-BEARMAN
Book Description: From a darkened world, bound by four walls, a young woman called Jessica tells the tale of her battle against the M.E Monster. The severest form of a neuro immune disease called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis went to war with her at just 15 years old.
To order the book through Jessica's site, click on the link below:
This book is also now available at York Library
This is open to any business, club, pub, or organisation looking to have a bit of fun whilst supporting your local community. Our 4th season is well under way and going great guns ! Although the aim is spreading ME Awareness, as a bonus we have also raised over £920.00 for Invest in ME Research, so why not join us ?
To join in for next season, click on the tab at the top of the site for more information, or just to register your interest through the email address supplied.
To read the ME Research Summary 2019 by ME Action covering the last ten years, click on the link below:
Written Question to the Department of Health and Social Care on 22 May 2018 by Carol Monaghan SNP, answered by Caroline Dinenage Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
| Financial Year | £ |
| 2014-15 | 280,442 |
| 2015-16 | 295,626 |
| 2016-17 | 130,958 |
There is a great need for the training of those with a Duty of Care to those with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). For those in Healthcare, Education or Business with this Duty of Care, this E-Learning Course is the one for you.
To learn more, click on the link below:
AccessAble in York provides information on Shopmobility, Talking Signs, Dial & Ride, York Wheels and accessible Hotels, Restaurants, Public Toilets and a whole lot more in our city. To find out more before setting off for York, click on the link below:
The York Inset Scooter Club is based in York (UK) and has a membership of around 250.
They are a thriving, active club and look to support local charities when they can. They have an annual Mods and Rockers charity ride out, and for 2019 supported The York ME Community.
They headed off from The York Eye (Clifford’s Tower) on Sun 28 Apr on a run out to the coast, set off by the Mayor of York and the York Normandy Veterans.
All money raised will be used to raise the profile of ME in York through posters being produced and put up in local business premises, clubs, schools, GP Surgeries and venues.
Euan’s Guide is the disabled access review website used by disabled people to review, share and discover accessible places to visit. The charity was founded in 2013 by Euan MacDonald, who is a powerchair user, and his sister Kiki. As Euan’s access requirements changed, both went in search of recommendations for accessible places to go, but a platform for this kind of information didn’t exist. Built as a friendly and honest alternative to hours of web searching and phone calls before visiting somewhere new, Euan’s Guide now has thousands of disabled access reviews and listings for places all over the UK and beyond.
To go to Euan's Website, click on the link below:
Help us raise money for The York ME Community to pass onto Invest in ME Research every time you shop online, and it doesn't cost you a penny !
By using the link below, when you shop online with a huge number of shops, they will pass a percentage of your purchase cost to our fund. THIS MONEY IS DONATED BY THE RETAILERS, NOT YOU !
I had a very productive meeting with Cllr Aspden and Cllr Runciman of City of York Council where they have stated they will back efforts to raise awareness of ME, understanding that much more is needed to increase understanding of this debilitating disorder, in York and across the UK. I will be aiming to keep up the pressure to ensure future support.
The motion put before Council with regard to support in raising ME Awareness in York was passed unanimously !
The City of York Council has followed through on their promise by lighting up the city walls and Clifford's Tower in blue over the ME Awareness Weeks since that meeting.
We had a brilliant day at York Explore Library raising ME Awareness. Lots of interest in what we're doing from local health groups, charities, the council and most heart warmingly, from those dealing with ME themselves who now know we're here for them.
If you'd like to hear more about ME, get in touch.
Mike Harley is a very special guy who's aim was to run a marathon in each EU country to raise awareness and funds for Invest in ME Research. Please visit his site to learn more, especially since our exit from the EU has meant a revision of his plans !
