Invest in ME Research is an independent UK charity campaigning for and facilitating biomedical research into myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). More details of the charity are here. To read the Newsletter, click on the link below: Link to Invest in ME Research Newsletter
By Jenny in Scope. Hi, my name is Jenny and I’m 24 years old. I’ve had Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E) for 5 years but have been experiencing chronic pain and fatigue caused by multiple health problems from the age of 16. One of my hobbies is writing my blog: This thing they called recovery. The […]
By Georgina & Phoebe in Let’s Do It for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Even a live Second World War grenade couldn’t stop us! On Sunday the 28th of July we began our quest to conquer a 25 mile kayak to raise money for Invest In ME Research. This journey consisted of a very early start, […]
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 […]
If you have been with us from the start then please congratulate yourself on your part in changing the landscape of research and future treatment of ME in UK and beyond! Also please accept our massive thanks for your ongoing support to help the charity Invest in ME Research achieve so much. If you are […]
Invest in ME Research is an independent UK charity campaigning for and facilitating biomedical research into myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). More details of the charity are here. Clinical trial at Quadram At the IIMEC14 international conference in London in May Professor Simon Carding from Quadram Institute announced the intention to conduct a clinical trial for ME in Norwich […]
By Rochelle Joslyn (PhD) Edited by Allison Ramiller, in Solve ME/CFS Initiative. 2019 is off to a strong start for ME/CFS research! From the search for sensitive and specific biomarkers in neuroimaging and CPET testing, to the use of next generation (RNA) sequencing in transcriptomic analyses of peripheral blood, findings from the first […]
Hi everyone. I’ve received the following from Action for ME and pass it on should you wish to take part: Hello I am getting in touch to introduce myself as Action for M.E.’s Policy and Engagement Officer. A large part of my role is engaging with politicians to improve services and […]
From Minster FM. The iconic steam engine Flying Scotsman will be visiting North Yorkshire this weekend but those who are going to see it are urged to do so safely. This Saturday, the 29th June, the steam engine will travel up the Midland Main Line before heading to York. Enthusiasts are expected to be […]
By Charlotte Stephens, Research Correspondent, ME Association. The Index of Published ME/CFS Research has now been updated to take account of the research that has been published during the month of May 2019. It’s a little later than normal due to ME-related absence. The Index is a useful way to locate and then read all relevant research […]
NKS stands for ‘THE NATIONAL KEY SCHEME’! As the name suggests, located all around Britain, there are over 10,000 accessible toilets for disabled people, in public as well as commercial properties of all sorts, which are part of the scheme. The scheme also includes over 1000 Changing Places toilets, which have added specialist […]
York Carers Centre news Thank You Volunteers It’s National Volunteers Week and we’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our committed volunteers, who generously offer their skills and time to help carers in York. From the board of trustees and office volunteers to those who help carers at groups across the […]
From Minster FM News. Many more people in York will be able to receive vital support and help, after a local charity received lottery funding. York Neighbours, which provides practical help and support to people aged over 65, has received £40,000 a year for the next three years allowing it to expand its […]
From The Shropshire Star. A cyclist will take on a challenging 100-mile race through woodlands in support of a bed bound 16-year-old with chronic fatigue. Kind-hearted Arry West, who is 44, will get on his bike for the epic Mountain Mayhem challenge on June 22 and 23 in aid of research into […]
Below is a link to the coverage by York TV of The York Inset Scooter Club Ride Out on behalf of The York ME Community. I can’t say enough about how much this could change the lives of the many people in York with ME who are unaware of support in the area. The […]
A brilliant morning watching the gathering of over 200 motorbikes and scooters of The York Inset Scooter Club set off from Clifford’s Tower in York on their Charity Ride Out on behalf of The York ME Community. They were seen off by the Mayor of York, the York Normandy Veterans, as well as members […]
From The Yorkshire Post. Not many survivors of the events in France 75 years ago remain, but two of them – three if you include the train they were on – enjoyed a day out in Yorkshire today. With so few members left, the Normandy Veterans’ Association has officially disbanded, but […]
Good luck to everyone running in the London Marathon this weekend. All the chosen charities will be extremely grateful for your support. If you can’t think of a charity for your next run, how about Invest in ME Research ? More info about what they do can be found under the tab above. If […]
THE YORK INSET SCOOTER CLUB RIDE OUT IN SUPPORT OF THE YORK ME COMMUNITY – SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2019. They will head off from The York Eye (Clifford’s Tower) set off by the Mayor of York and the York Normandy Veterans. They aim to depart at 10.30 am. Come and wave them off […]
By John Pring in Disability News Service. A disabled people’s organisation is set to have to close the doors of its advice centre, which has provided vital support with benefit claims to thousands of disabled people, after nearly all its funding was suddenly withdrawn by a local NHS body. Possability People has been running […]
By David Tuller, DrPH As of this post, I have achieved 57% of my goal, with 542 donations and 15 days left to go. I think that’s pretty good! I’m optimistic about getting reasonably close to the amount I’m trying to raise. Folks at Berkeley certainly notice the success of my crowdfunding. It […]
By Jennie Spotila in Occupy M.E. Last year, I fully endorsed Dr. David Tuller’s crowdfunding appeal in support of his investigative reporting on ME. This year, I am happy to endorse Tuller’s fundraising once again. The progress report that accompanies Dr. Tuller’s fundraising request (and also posted on Virology blog) details his research, writing and publications during the last year. […]
From Invest in ME Research. IIMEC14 is the fourteenth annual international ME conference that the charity has organised in London. For many of those years the charity often communicated with a patient/advocate in Sweden – someone we are proud to have called our friend. Anne Örtegren passed away in January 2018. […]
By Mike Harley. After 6 months since Sofia, I arrived in Cyprus for number 20 after 60 training runs and 400 miles of winter training to kick off year 5 and the first of six marathons in 2019. Heading into the race I’d run my fastest ever Half Marathon (1 hr 40 in Gloucester) and raised […]
From Scope. Life costs more for disabled people and their families. Spending more on essential goods and services like; heating, insurance, equipment and therapies. These extra costs mean disabled people have less money in their pocket than non-disabled people, or simply go without. Therefore, disabled people are likely to have a lower standard […]
Good luck to Mike Harley who is running 28 Marathons across Europe to raise Awareness and funds for Invest In ME Research. On Sunday the 17th of March he will be running the Cyprus Marathon. As always, a huge thanks from everyone in The York ME Community Mike ! See the tab […]
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 […]
Hi Everyone. ‘My name is Pippa, and I’m a chronically ill writer and blogger at Life Of Pippa. I’m originally from Sheffield, but moved to York for university and have been here ever since! I’ve had ME/CFS since I was a teenager, but was only diagnosed in 2014, following a relapse at the age of […]
Maybe one for your diary ? The York Inset Scooter Club will be having a Charity Ride Out to the coast, departing on 28 April from York Eye / Clifford’s Tower in York. All proceeds will go to The York ME Community to help raise Awareness of ME in York. Why not come and […]
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 […]
From the Open Medicine Foundation. Navigating the challenging world of ME/CFS and similar chronic complex diseases can be overwhelming, isolating and confusing. We would like to help you identify resources for education, support, and assistance. (Each image and underlined item below links to the resource it describes. Click on the link to directly access […]
From The Yorkshire Times. As Berwick Kaler’s 40-year reign as pantomime dame comes to an end, York Theatre Royal has launched a fund to celebrate and continue his legacy. “The Berwick Kaler Foundation will enable us to bring families, friends and communities together to share experiences and enjoy theatre in all its many forms,” […]
From BBC News. Amber Rudd says the increased use of food banks is partly down to problems in rolling out universal credit. The work and pensions secretary said she was “absolutely clear there were challenges with the initial roll-out” of the benefit and that the difficulty in accessing money was “one of the […]
A Date For Your Diary – York Inset Scooter Club Ride Out In Aid Of The York ME Community ! So now we know the date of the event, will you come and join us to see them off ? All money raised will go to help raising awareness of ME in York through the […]
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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…)
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 !
Last season was a great success with loads of local company teams involved, and this season promises to be even better. With the aim of spreading ME Awareness, as a bonus, we have also raised around £800.00 for Invest in ME Research, so why not join us ?
This is a call out to all York (and beyond) Businesses, Clubs and Venues to join us for next season and support your local ME Community.
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.
The aim of this group is to bring together everyone in York with a need for a little help in getting out and about in our beautiful city.
This includes those who use, or are thinking about using any type of mobility aid, from a simple walking stick, to a wheelchair or mobility scooter. This is where we can share advice, ideas and support on all things mobility, including any ideas that might help us around the house, or out and about.
It will also be where we can raise concerns of accessibility issues in York, and maybe create a strong enough voice to effect the changes needed to help us be a full part in what’s going on and live a fuller life.
We can share names of accessible shops, cafes and venues, as well as those that need to improve if they want to get our custom.
If you know of someone who might like to be a part of this group, please let them know, and let’s all join in with ideas, suggestions and support to those who might need it.
Let’s make York a better place for all of us.
To read the ME Research Summary 2019 by ME Action covering the last ten years, click on the link below:
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:
Our Coffee Club meets twice a month for a cuppa and a natter.
Dates and times will always be shown in our diary at the top left of this site.
The Coffee Club is open to anyone either with ME, or friends and family looking for support from people who understand.
Due to the nature of the illness, there will be times when numbers are low, but if you'd like to attend, either just turn up on the day, or email me at bill@York-ME-Community.org. If you're a member of our Facebook Group, you can of course say you'll be going via the notice in the Events area.
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 !
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 |
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
An album of original songs and poetry composed and performed by people with M.E. from all over the world, was released to mark and support ME Awareness Day, 12 May 2018.
It was hoped that by releasing this album, it will help those with ME to know that they are not alone, and for others to understand the nature of this illness and give what support they can.
Please consider downloading the album, or even a couple of tracks to help raise awareness of ME, and much needed funds for research into this illness that affects so many, but is understood by so few who may be in positions to help. Proceeds to ME Research and Education. All further information and questions, please direct via the website below: The album can be downloaded now from:
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD !
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.
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.
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: