From SAGA Magazine. There’s more than £400 million of unclaimed pension savings in the UK, here are our top tips for tracing your old pension pots… More and more people are moving jobs several times throughout their working life and accruing multiple pension pots along the way. With the disappearance of the […]
By Daniel Coughlin in SAGA Magazine. Good gut bacteria has been linked to good health, so find out how to help it. Beneficial bacteria is key to a healthy digestive system and a whole lot more besides. “As well as helping us digest food, the bacteria in our gut have been linked to everything […]
By Judith Wills in SAGA Magazine. This hasn’t been a great season for potatoes in more ways than one. Not only have they suffered a bad year in our gardens and fields – the summer drought made them grow smaller than usual – but apparently they are also suffering an image crisis. Ever since […]
By Daniel Coughlin in SAGA Magazine. Keen to drop a few pounds? Losing weight is all about burning more calories than you consume, but this can leave you feeling hungry and liable to reach for the nearest chocolate bar, undoing all your good work. Eating extra-filling low-calorie foods will help you stave off the hunger […]
By Paul Lewis in SAGA Magazine. The fear of having to sell a home to pay for care is being exploited by commercial firms offering risky schemes to shelter homes from means-testing. Don’t fall for them. There are other, perfectly legitimate ways to preserve the value of a family home. When someone moves […]
From SAGA Magazine. Thinking of moving somewhere smaller? You could save thousands of pounds with these handy tips – read on to find out how… Downsizing is popular among the over 50s who have decided to live in a smaller, cheaper and more manageable property. As we revealed in a recent article the cost of […]
By Patsy Westcott in SAGA Magazine. Fermentation is one of the hottest food trends right now – but why all the fuss about this ancient method of food preservation? Fermented foods have been part of our diet ever since our ancient ancestors cottoned on to the idea that fermentation helped to preserve food. With the […]
By Carlton Boyce in SAGA Magazine. Some of these secrets are purely practical, whilst others are just put there to bring a smile to your face. Here are some of Carlton’s favourites… While it is true that the car industry is ruled now by accountants rather than engineers, the guys and gals with […]
From SAGA Magazine. Do you have cupboards full of old bills and documents? Read our guide to how long you should keep old bank statements, bills and paperwork. Do you feel like you are drowning in documents? Has your home been consumed by seemingly never-ending mountains of old pay slips, bank statements and old […]
By Carlton Boyce in SAGA Magazine. Smartphones and smartwatches have earned their place in our lives – but could they go one step further and actually save our lives? I’m not a fan of stuff. Stuff clogs your life up and traps you into a never-ending arms race to buy the latest, newest and shiniest […]
By Paul Lewis in SAGA Magazine. As we age, minor niggles with our health can become a serious – and costly – problem. However, there are state benefits to help. The rules are complex, but don’t be put off. You have paid taxes all your life for others and now is the time […]
By Annie Shaw in SAGA Magazine. Coin valuation: a reader asks… While I was clearing out my garage after my partner’s death, I found a Haig Dimple whisky bottle full of sixpences, some of them perhaps silver. What can I do with them? Are these coins worth money? Annie Shaw replies: You could […]
By Holly Thomas in SAGA Magazine. Worried that your hard-earned savings and precious assets may eventually benefit the taxman rather than your loved ones? A little forward planning can make a big difference. Handing over cash or property can provide a much-needed boost for grandchildren who are hoping to get on the property […]
By Maria McCarthy in SAGA Magazine. Many of us will remember the bad old days when car theft was a common phenomenon. It peaked in the early 1990s and a report from the Office of National Statistics reveals that in 1993, vehicle-owning households had a 1 in 5 chance of being victims […]
By Jane Murphy in SAGA Magazine. Wondering what just bit you? Read on to learn how to prevent, identify and treat some of the most common bug attacks in the UK. Spiders Don’t panic! It’s very rare to get bitten by a spider in the UK. Of the 650 species found here, […]
By Paul Lewis in SAGA Magazine. There are so many uncertainties surrounding pensions these days. Short of consulting a crystal ball, how can you make sure that your retirement funds won’t run out before you run out of steam? Until recently, you either had a pension that was fixed for life and […]
By Harriet Meyer in SAGA Magazine. Consumers who use contactless debit and credit cards could be at risk of a worrying new scam where thieves can steal money just by walking past them. Consumers who use contactless debit and credit cards to buy goods or services could be at risk of falling victim […]
By Jane Murphy in SAGA Magazine. While most of us try eat healthily, many of us appear to have a ‘blind spot’ when it comes to certain foods and drinks. So what are you forgetting ? Your morning cuppa Pop a teaspoonful of sugar in your tea or coffee and you’ll be consuming […]
From SAGA Magazine. A study into the eating habits of older adults shows many avoid the latest food fads loved by millennials, with 35 per cent opting for a traditional ‘meat and two veg’ options over more typically modern foods. As such, 52 per cent have never touched avocado on toast, while 53 […]
From SAGA Magazine. Mobile devices such as iPhones, iPads and Android smartphones are far more powerful than mobile phones of old. Crammed with computer processors, ablaze with brilliant screens and sporting decent speakers means a limited battery life that leaves you constantly hooking your device up to the mains for a recharge. Worse […]
From SAGA Magazine. From brain-friendly oily fish to memory-enhancing rosemary, here are 10 foods that scientific studies show can help boost your powers of recall. Our brains require a variety of nutrients to function well, so it comes as no surprise that what you eat can affect your cognitive skills and ability to […]
From SAGA magazine. Chocoholics can now nibble on their favourite treat without feeling guilty because it could actually have health-giving properties. The secret is revealed to be naturally occurring substances in chocolate that may offer some degree of protection against heart disease and related circulatory disorders. Many studies have shown that food rich in flavonals, […]
From Saga Magazine. Chia seeds, couscous and quinoa are just some of the foods adults over the age of 60 have never tried, despite their increasing popularity among younger generations. A study into the eating habits of older adults shows many avoid the latest food fads loved by millennials, with 35 per cent […]
By Paul Lewis in SAGA Magazine. Every April, state pensions and benefits for older people are increased to help them pay for the rising cost of food, energy and other essentials. But this year the amount paid to around two million of the poorest pensioners will not keep up with rising prices, as […]
By Carlton Boyce in SAGA Magazine. Parking has become a big issue in many towns and cities. What can you do if your neighbours or commuters park inconsiderately or block your driveway? Parking restrictions are becoming more stringent at a time when the demand for parking spaces is increasing. The result is a […]
By Daniel Coughlin in SAGA Magazine. According to the British Nutrition Foundation, 50-plus men tend to have slower metabolisms than guys in their 20s, and may require fewer calories overall to stay in good shape. They also benefit from foods that are rich in certain nutrients which support older men’s health. Tomatoes Tomatoes are loaded […]
By Adrienne Wyper in SAGA Magazine. Belonging to a singing group is good for body and soul – here’s why, and how to find one – even if you think you can’t sing ! Watching a choral performance, everyone’s mouths moving in perfect harmony, you might guess that choral singing gives its participants a sense […]
By David Gritten in SAGA Magazine. It’s tempting to wonder how the cinema world would have coped this past year if not for films set during World War II. There’s been Christopher Nolan’s majestic Dunkirk, of course, and Churchill, starring Brian Cox having a gallant stab at playing a troubled, hesitant Winston. And now comes Darkest Hour, with Gary […]
By Chris Torney in SAGA Magazine. For older homeowners who need some extra cash to supplement their pensions, equity release has a lot to offer. Equity release plans allow you to access some of the value tied up in your property, either as a lump-sum payment or a regular income stream. But equity release […]
By Holly Thomas in SAGA Magazine. Open banking was introduced on 13 January this year – find out more about what it is, and how it could help you save money. Open banking was introduced this month for current accounts – but what exactly is it? Put simply, it will allow companies to access current […]
From SAGA Magazine. January is a time when many people start to get their finances in order for the year ahead and this could include making decisions about pension savings and where to invest them. But be wary of cold callers and guaranteed returns… Pension savings are an investment in your future, your […]
By Chris Torney in SAGA Magazine. The fake tax demand scam How the fake tax demand scam works One of the most pernicious recent cons involves criminals calling people to say that they are getting in touch on behalf of HM Revenue & Customs. The fraudsters claim you owe HMRC thousands of […]
By Daniel Coughlin in SAGA Magazine. Christmas is the time to eat, drink and be merry, not the time to be worrying about calories, sugar or saturated fat. Be that as it may, going easy on the booze, cakes and mince pies, and boosting your intake with healthier festive fare should do you the world of […]
By Esther Shaw in SAGA Magazine. It may give you peace of mind, but it can also be expensive. Esther Shaw looks at the pros and cons of taking out boiler cover. With the weather taking a turn for the worst and thermostats being turned up a notch, you may be wondering whether it’s […]
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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.
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The third Wednesday of each month - at 2 pm - The York ME Community Coffee Club at The Novotel, York.
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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.
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:
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:
The social element of this site is via a Facebook Group called The York ME Community.
This is available to people in the York area looking for help, advice and support, whether those diagnosed, family or friends. We are a close knit group who discuss more than just ME, as we like to think that we are not defined by this illness. We discuss every day things, have a laugh, and try to meet via our Coffee Club if the beast that is ME allows us ! If you apply to join, please check your Facebook messages, as there are a couple of automated questions to be answered before being welcomed to the group.
Please don't apply to join if you are promoting your preferred remedy. I'm happy to mention your company within the group, but it's for individuals to choose what they wish to try in their battle to seek an improvement in their health.
Some companies and organisations offer discounts for disabled people and their carers – click on the link below to find out what you could save.
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.
Anil's interview gives a great insight to the man and his ME mission !
Link to Anil van der Zee's Interview
Having read the above interview, I'd recommend a visit to David's Blog below:
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."
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) was shown to a sellout audience at City Screen York on 1st November, prompting a second showing on 16 November. This film has won awards at The Sundance Film Festival and is a must see for all wishing and needing to know more about an illness affecting over 800 people in the York area alone.
Although still showing around the UK and worldwide, it's now also available on Amazon and iTunes and through the Unrest UK Store on DVD and Blu-Ray by clicking on this link: Unrest site to save having to undertake a journey to the cinema.,
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.
Welcome to Broken Puppet Theatre Company.
We are a small team of creative professionals who live with chronic illness and invisible disabilities. We work with theatre, film and puppetry to support children, families, schools and communities who are learning to share their world with chronic illness and invisible disabilities too. Our aim is to provide creative expression and escapism wherever they are needed.
FEATURED ARTICLE
By
Sally Duffin
Hello to all the members of York ME Community. I’m Sally, a Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist at ‘Nutrition in York’ and Bill has asked me to share some nutritional therapy approaches for managing ME.
Many nutritional therapists – myself included – are trained in the Functional Medicine approach to healthcare which means we are less concerned with the name of a condition (ME, CFS etc.) and more interested in the underlying cause and contributing factors of the condition. (more…)
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 around 800 people of all ages in the York area who would be so very grateful for your help.
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 !
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 !
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. From beneath her dark glasses, Jessica glimpses a world far different from the one she remembers as a teenage school girl. This true story follows her path as she ends up living in hospital for years with tubes keeping her alive.
This harrowing story follows the highs and lows of the disease and being hospitalised, captured through her voice activated technology diary called `Bug' that enables her to fulfil her dream of one day becoming an author.
It provides a raw, real-time honesty to the story that would be impossible to capture in hindsight.
To order the book through Jessica's site, click on the link below:
This book is also now available at York Library
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.
The motion put before Council with regard to support in raising ME Awareness in York was passed unanimously !
The City of York Council followed through on their promise by lighting up the city walls and Clifford's Tower in blue over ME Awareness Week.
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.
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 on Twitter? Learn more about ME every Wednesday, 8 pm - 9 pm (UK) using #MEAwarenesshour
Mike Harley is a very special guy who's running a marathon in each EU country to raise awareness and funds for Invest in ME Research. Please visit his site to learn more.
To go to the Government's Disability Benefits Advice Guide, click on the link below:
Upon request, North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service can carry out a home fire safety visit to your home, completely free of charge. This visit involves fire service staff coming to your home to give you advice on fire safety in the home, actions you can take to reduce the risk of fire, and discuss escape routes should fire occur.
If you don't aim to take up this offer, please at least check the batteries on your smoke alarms on a regular basis. If you want to read more, click on the link below:
If you're given the time and space to talk things through, you can find a way through your problems.
Samaritans help you to explore your options so you can make decisions that are right for you.
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.