By Amber Blackburn in The Mighty. When it comes to social media, we often hear about the negative aspects of each platform –like the fact that social media is full of highlight reels rather than what’s actually real. We only get to see what influencers choose to show us, which is usually only the […]
As you may know, a consultation process is under way with regard to the revamping of Clifford’s Tower area of York. This week I was invited by English Heritage to add my input with regard to accessibility for the area. The revamp will include removing the car park currently alongside the tower, which is […]
From Independent Age. Many older people are missing out on thousands of pounds that they’re due. Our free guides can help you boost your income by claiming benefits you may not have realised you’re entitled to – even if you have savings or own your own home. To read the rest of this story, click […]
By Ann Innes in The ME Association. I’m Ann Innes, consultant welfare rights adviser to the ME Association and formerly to Stockport ME Group. I run a private service to support people throughout the claims process, from benefit entitlement checks, application, preparing for the face-to-face assessment and attending as an advocate, all 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 Chloe Tear. Oh how I remember this time well! I actually graduated on Wednesday, but preparing for the whole thing only seems like yesterday. University was such an unknown step, even if it was a step I knew I wanted to take. My health at the time was far from ideal and […]
From the Life of Pippa Blog. Ever since I started theatre blogging and my chronic illness-friendly reviews, I’ve had messages asking about how I book my access tickets and ensure my needs are met. It’s one of those things that I’ve been doing for so long now that it’s become second nature, so […]
By Newsroom24. Bees are often seen as one of humanity’s biggest enemies, and yet they help to keep us alive. You don’t have to be a tree hugger to respect the environment that you live in. For two million years, before the agricultural revolution, humans foraged the land and brought thousands of species […]
By YorkMix in Entertainment, Music Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre has opened, bring four new plays to the pop-up theatre in the shadow of Clifford’s Tower. Running from Tuesday 25 June – Sunday 1 September 2019, the programme features Hamlet, Henry V, The Tempest and Twelfth Night. It was opened by the York Town Crier Ben Fry and Linda Fenwick, High Sheriff of North […]
By Pippa in her Life of Pippa Blog. Whilst this may be a bit of a niche post, I wanted to share my eventful first experience of public transport abroad as a wheelchair user, travelling from Disneyland Paris to Paris Gare Du Nord. It was a lack of clear information online that prompted […]
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 […]
From YorkMix. A huge expansion of York Designer Outlet could bring 25 new shops and restaurants to the centre. Owners McArthurGlen say the development will create around 500 retail and construction jobs “and £3.6 million in additional employment income”. The plans also include 630 additional parking spaces and an improved Park & Ride […]
Fulford Beer & Music Festival Saturday 22nd June 2019 From 2pm to Sunset Fulford Sports Pavilion The Parish Field (off Fulfordgate) YO10 4LY • Over 15 local real ales, craft lagers and ciders • Live music from local bands • BBQ, snacks and soft drinks Main sponsor: £4* ADVANCE £5* ON DOOR * Includes […]
From YorkMix. York St Mary’s will reopen next month – showcasing some of the world’s greatest artworks as you’ve never seen them before. Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience brings the Dutch master’s paintings to life. Huge animated projections allow you to step inside the art. It opens at the Coppergate venue on […]
The York Mobility Scooter Club has been set up as a Facebook Group with the idea of being somewhere for anyone in the York area to talk about all things mobility scooters. From those first steps of being so wary of taking that first step of admitting that you need help, to the […]
From YorkMix. After one false start and a lot of anticipation, York now has its very first cat café. The Cat’s Whiskers opened a few days ago in a listed three-storey building on Goodramgate. Complete with 11 cats, including Freddie and Teddy, Simba, Bear and Snowy and Olaf – who are both deaf – the café […]
From The Yorkshire Times. Farms across Yorkshire and the UK will be throwing open their gates on 9 June as they welcome the public for Open Farm Sunday. In the North York Moors National Park, Stonebeck Gate Farm at Little Fryup, near Danby, will be giving visitors the opportunity to experience life on […]
By Pippa in her Life Of Pippa blog. I once saw a quote reading “when you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance”, and it really stuck with me. I absolutely love the sentiment of supporting independent creators, all the more so when I know they’re […]
From BBC News. A balloon festival blamed for bringing traffic in York to a standstill is to return to the city. Last year’s York Balloon Fiesta attracted 40,000 visitors, but there were complaints of gridlock on roads and delays to buses. Former Make it York director Steve Brown previously said festival bosses were uncertain […]
By Pippa, in Life Of Pippa. This post and associated social media posts are kindly sponsored by Triple 7 Events. Find out more about them and book some bargains on their website here [AD]. Let’s be honest: being a theatregoer certainly isn’t the most affordable hobby in the world, particularly as a disabled young person. Whilst […]
THE YORK ME COMMUNITY INTER COMPANY FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE It’s not only the Premier League that won’t be decided until the last day ! Our Inter Company Fantasy Football League which involves local businesses supporting ME Awareness will also be decided this weekend. You might have missed out on your chance over the […]
It has been confirmed by City of York Council that the City Walls and Clifford’s Tower will be lit up in blue for ME Awareness from the 10th to 13th of May. The Council will also be putting out Press Releases to cover the event.
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 […]
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 […]
The York ME Community runs an Inter-Company Fantasy Football League sponsored by TGA Mobility. This is to help raise awareness of the illness that affects around 250,00 people in the UK, and 800 in the York area alone. The B Team of Bransby Wilson are looking strong favourites to win the league this season, […]
From Visit York. With a history spanning 2,000 years, there’s no surprise that myths and magic are in abundance in the city of York. Throughout the centuries characters from alchemists to witches are said to have passed through the city. Find out about York’s magical connections from past to present. The city’s […]
By Charles Hutchinson in The Press. Berwick Kaler may have exited pantomime stage left in February, but the grand old dame of York Theatre Royal is taking up the call to write the script for Sleeping Beauty this coming winter. “When I said on the last night, ‘if they ask me, I’ll be back […]
From Fenetic Wellbeing. Can you remember a sunny bank holiday? Us neither. But on the off-chance the heavens don’t open, we’ve put our heads together and come up with some cracking wheelchair friendly spots for a day out in Yorkshire. Can you remember a sunny bank holiday? Us neither. But on the […]
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 […]
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 Tina Walsh in The Telegraph. York, where ancient and modern meet Everyone knows about York’s Roman and Viking history, but not so many people realise it has a wealth of luxury boutique accommodation and a thriving cultural scene, with cool neighbourhoods full of independent shops, restaurants and cafés, as well as countless museums, […]
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 YorkMix. All York’s 14 libraries – and its world-renowned archives – are guaranteed to stay open for at least 15 years. City of York Council have awarded a new contract to Explore Libraries and Archives Mutual Limited to deliver the city’s libraries and archives services until 2034, it was announced today (18 […]
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: