By Cort Johnson in Health Rising. This is the first in a series of blogs that report on the recent EMERGE conference in Australia. The different conference format – which allowed for long presentations – allowed the presenters to dig more deeply into their topics than usual. Longtime Australian metabolomics researcher Neil McGregor took […]
By Cort Johnson in Health Rising. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), with its pitiful funding, has been a thorn in the ME/CFS community’s side for decades. For decades advocates have thrown everything they could – heartbreaking stories, demonstrations, insults – at the NIH in vain. Even the much acclaimed 2015 […]
By Cort Johnson in Health Rising. This is the first in a series of blogs that report on the recent EMERGE conference in Australia. The different conference format – which allowed for long presentations – allowed the presenters to dig more deeply into their topics than usual. Longtime Australian metabolomics researcher Neil McGregor […]
By Briain Kelly in Galway Daily. International expert on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Dr Ros Vallings is giving a talk in Galway on the often misunderstood condition next month. Around 14,000 people in Ireland are thought to suffer from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), now often diagnosed under the name Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Symptoms include […]
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. […]
From Science For ME. News – events this coming week ME/CFS International Research Symposium 12th – 15th March, Australia. Many well known ME researchers will be speaking. Emerge has announced that most of the program will be available to watch live and will be available afterwards. No pre-registration is required to watch online. […]
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 […]
Question by Frank Field MP. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Medical Treatments. 218214 To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking in response to the resolution of the House of 24 January 2019 on appropriate ME treatment. Answer by Steve Brine: The Government is investing over £1.7 […]
By Rivka Solomon in ProHealth. Every now and then something happens in our global ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) community that is both noteworthy and hopeful. Something that makes us believe things may actually change for the better. That’s what happened on January 15, 2019, in Boston, Massachusetts, a city known as a medical […]
Am I the only one left a bit disappointed at the end of the ME debate in Parliament today ? Many impassioned speeches, which by their nature took a lot of time as they repeated much information given by previous speakers, but all well intentioned and good to see them representing their constituents. I then […]
Today is a huge day for those of us dealing with ME. Carol Monaghan MP will be making our case for improved medical education and research funding in this illness. Although these figures are now probably out of date and on the low side, it’s estimated that there are 250,000 in the UK, […]
By Stuart Murdoch in #MEAction. Stuart Murdoch is the lead singer of Belle and Sebastian. He has had ME for 28 years and he has kindly shared with us this open letter to the UK government ahead of the ME debate on Thursday, 24th January. Dear UK Government, I am one of the […]
By David Tuller. By David Tuller, DrPH After I posted yesterday’s blog about Per Fink’s upcoming appearance at the fourth annual Columbia Psychosomatic Conference being held this weekend, I received the following e-mail from Columbia’s Alla Landa. She is an assistant professor of “clinical psychology in psychiatry”–whatever that means–and director of the conference. I found […]
Invest in ME Research has announced dates for events taking place in London for their International Conference Week in May 2019 on biomedical research into ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis). The second Thinking the Future conference for young or early career researchers will be on 28th May 2019. The ninth Biomedical Research into ME Colloquium (BRMEC9) […]
From Market Insider. LOS ANGELES, Sept. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Open Medicine Foundation (OMF), the premier nonprofit organization investing in research to cure myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), sponsors the Second Annual Community Symposium on the Molecular Basis of ME/CFS on September 29, 2018, at Stanford University. This event is expected to draw more than 300 scientists, […]
By By Adriane Tillman in #ME Action. The women’s rights community is beginning to pay attention to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) as one of many diseases in which sexism has played a role in the disbelief, misdiagnosing and mistreatment of patients. (ME affects men, women and children but 75 percent are women.) The National Organization for Women (NOW) held […]
By Cort Johnson in Open Medicine Foundation. I thought I was in Paris, so much French was being spoken. The conversations in the cafes, on the streets, in the subways – everywhere – were in French. It turns out that with its 4,000,000 plus residents, Montreal is the second largest French speaking city […]
From Action For ME News. Action for M.E. joined stakeholders from patient groups, charities, and professional bodies to take part in Friday’s workshop on the scope of the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline on M.E/CFS. The event was part of NICE’s ongoing process to revise its M.E./CFS guideline, with a focus […]
The Invest in ME Research Biomedical Research into ME (BRMEC) Colloquiums are research meetings organised by the charity to encourage biomedical research into ME and international collaboration amongst researchers. This has been one of the main objectives of the charity. Invest in ME Research began arranging biomedical research conferences in our first year and have continued them […]
By Stephanie Griffin. On March 2-3, 2018, the Bateman Horne Center hosted an exciting summit of leading U.S. ME/CFS clinicians who came together to share their pearls of wisdom on diagnosis and treatment in order to improve ME/CFS clinical care and refine more precise research targets. The meeting was remarkable for the ambitious nature […]
By David Tuller, DrPH. So I arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday afternoon. I’ll be in Australia for several weeks for meetings, interviews and general information-gathering. I’ll post occasionally, but some of the information might be for future blogs and stories. I’ve conducted a Q-and-A about the general situation in the country with Penelope […]
By David Tuller, DrPH. And now some potentially good news from the Netherlands. Two years ago, the Dutch parliament asked the Health Council—an independent scientific advisory body—to review the state of evidence related to the illness generally called chronic fatigue syndrome in the Netherlands. That review was to include the evidence for rehabilitative […]
This is Joan Byrne’s presentation given during the “Call For Change” Awareness and Educational event at Leinster House, Dublin on the 24th January 2018. What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis? M.E. is an acquired complex neurological disorder affecting multiple systems of the body. Many cases are preceded by a viral infection with onset being usually rapid (acute). Affected individuals do […]
By Robert Saunders in #MEAction. On the 20 February 2018 a debate was held in the Palace of Westminster (UK) on the PACE trial and its effects on people with ME. (See #MEAction summary.) Carol Monaghan MP, who secured the debate, raised many valid and important concerns, as did several MPs who intervened during […]
From www.nice.org.uk A workshop last month with stakeholders marked the formal start of NICE’s collaborative work to update its 2010 guideline on the diagnosis and management of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The workshop was held so that stakeholders, including patient groups for people with ME/CFS and their carers, could help NICE identify at […]
From Invest In ME Research. Statement Following Preliminary Phase III Rituximab Clinical trial Results from Norway Following the preliminary results which Professor Olav Mella recently publicly released from the Phase III multi-centre double-blinded placebo-controlled Rituximab Clinical Trial (see statement 21st November 2017) the charity has had discussions with advisors and researchers and has now […]
Tomorrow, 14th February, at 12 noon, BBC Radio Scotland’s John Beattie programme will be interviewing several people about issues around ME. Those being interviewed we have been told, include: – MP Carol Monaghan – who has secured next week’s Parliament debate on the Pace Trial – Janet Sylvester – organiser of the recent Scottish […]
By David Tuller, DrPH. This month is the start of the second half of my one-year crowdfunding commitment to keep reporting on ME/CFS, so I figured I should review what I’ve done so far, what I still hope to do, and what changes have taken place during the last six months. So, here […]
From The Open Medicine Foundation. As a part of the 2017 End ME/CFS Worldwide Tour, Linda Tannenbaum, CEO/President, spoke in six European countries and seven U.S. cities. Each visit included a presentation, Q & A session, and personal meet and greet. On the tour, Linda had the honor of meeting hundreds of patients, parents […]
By Eleanor Pringle in North Norfolk News. The hidden struggles of life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) will be highlighted this month as the Sheringham Little Theatre and Norman Lamb back an inspiring North Norfolk organisation. The Sheringham CFS group is the only support group in North Norfolk which focuses specifically on the disease. Now, […]
By David Tuller, DrPH. This post is about a serious issue–ethical approval for research studies involving children. It is also about how powerful institutions, like leading medical journals, respond to concerns. But the story is really too long and complicated. I recommend it only for those following things pretty closely or who for […]
From North Yorkshire Partnerships. Wellbeing and Prevention consultation – Proposals for future investment into support North Yorkshire County Council’s Health and Adult Services is currently holding a consultation on proposals for best use of the available investment in community-based support, to help adults in North Yorkshire stay well and independent in their local […]
By James C Coyne in the Coyne Of The Realm Blog. Carly Maryhew’s recent open letter to TEDxBristol concerning the failure of Esther Crawley’s recent talk to adhere to TEDx’s explicit content guidelines is a gem, well worth a read by a general audience. At one level, her letter is a contribution to the ongoing […]
MEpedia is a project founded by MEAction, powered by the patient community, and built by volunteers including patients, students, and researchers. We are crowd-sourcing a knowledge base on the history, science and medicine of ME, CFS, and related diseases. Jump in by clicking on the link below:
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.
We are a group of physiotherapists in the United Kingdom with a special interest in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).
Our website provides resources for physiotherapists, people with ME and parents or carers of those with ME.
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 Group 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 !
