By Brianne Benness in Medium. Maybe the media has led you to believe that all disabilities are visible and static. Disabilities caused by chronic illness can be anything but. The relationship between chronic illness and disability can be a complicated one. Not everyone who is disabled is chronically ill, and vice versa. And when I […]
NOISE AND ME My ME sensory radar Has really taken hold It’s caused my life to change, In a way that’s strange And not just because I’m old ! Noise and sounds now cripple me In ways some won’t believe The click of a door Can get right to my core In a […]
By Rachel Carrington in Rooted in Rights. I park my car in a parking space reserved for those with disabilities. My door is barely open before I’m confronted by a woman who demands to see my handicap parking placard. Her mother is disabled, and she needs the space. I point her toward my […]
Gone from being life and soul Health gone down a huge black hole Rarely getting out too far Too much pain is the bar A blue badge now has rescued me When strength allows, it sets me free It gets me to a needed door Which was out of my aching reach before […]
By Isabelle Jani-Friend in The Guardian. I was recently on a packed Central line train into London. Luckily, I managed to take the last priority disabled seat. My osteoporosis and the fatigue I experience meant it would be hard for me to stand for the 40-minute journey to Oxford Circus. I felt a sense […]
By Nicole Precel in The Sydney Morning Herald. When Rebecca Young parks her car in a disabled parking spot she often feels the searing stares. Is she driving her grandparents’ car? Why does she have a disability sticker when she is aged in her 30s and appears to walk perfectly well? Ms […]
By Keith James Geraghty and Charles Adeniji in Frontiers. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic illness that causes a range of debilitating symptoms. While most research has focused on adults, the illness also presents in children and adolescents. Many physicians find it difficult to diagnose the illness. In this commentary […]
By Isabelle Jani-Friend in The Guardian. I was recently on a packed Central line train into London. Luckily, I managed to take the last priority disabled seat. My osteoporosis and the fatigue I experience meant it would be hard for me to stand for the 40-minute journey to Oxford Circus. I felt a […]
By Erin Migdol in The Mighty. When you have an illness that is invisible, complex and/or difficult to treat, that sometimes translates into challenging experiences with doctors. While there are many kind, compassionate doctors out there who are willing to put in the time to figure out your health issues, unfortunately many in […]
From Invisible Disabilities Association. Don’t judge appearances. People with invisible disabilities don’t LOOK Disabled. Don’t judge appearances when you think you see someone abusing privileges or rights reserved for the disabled because you might be making a common mistake based on perception. Have you ever seen someone get out of a car parked […]
By Caitlin Phillips-Peddlesden in The Mighty. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) fatigue. The invisible illness vampire. The blood- (or energy-) sucking beast ever at your shoulder, teeth in your neck. CFS fatigue is invisible. Many people with CFS have no visibly discernible symptoms. Only the bags under our eyes point to the constant torture people […]
From Heathrow.com. At Heathrow we understand all passengers are unique and we offer different levels of support tailored to your needs. For a hidden disability such as autism, dementia or anxiety, help is always at hand at the airport. If you would like to book assistance just let your airline know 48 […]
By Ashley in The Mighty. I’ve been a paramedic on and off for 10 years now. I’ve seen the good and the bad — probably more bad than good, but I’ve opened my eyes to something different. I’ve seen people in Facebook groups post about how health care professionals treat people with invisible illnesses poorly because they […]
By Victoria Venable in The Mighty. When people talk about the “isms” in society, racism and sexism are usually the first that come to mind. Later in the list comes ageism. Often forgotten and misunderstood, is ableism. Ableism: Discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities. In the last nine months of my […]
By Jo Moss in The Mighty. When you live with an invisible chronic illness there’s a phrase you hear a lot: “You don’t look sick!” It’s so common that many of us don’t even bat an eyelid when these words are uttered. But whether it’s from a well-meaning friend, a doctor or a complete stranger, it’s […]
By Toni Bernhard J.D. in . I look healthy. My friend, whom I’ll call Gail, also looks healthy. The difference is that I suffer from a physical illness and she suffers from a mental illness: depression. The similarity is that both of our conditions are invisible to others. Despite the different source of our illnesses, our […]
By Lindsay Karp in The Mighty. There is a lot you don’t realize when you see me out and about. You may think I’m fine when you see me at the playground pushing my son on the swing. You may think this is an ordinary day for me when you see me […]
By Brittney Lindstrom in The Mighty. I don’t know why, but whenever some people see me get out of the car in a disability parking spot, I get some dirty looks. But why? Do you not believe I have a condition that warrants the use of a disability sticker? What is your issue with it? Do you […]
By Ashley Creveling in The Mighty. This letter is on behalf of the thousands of patients who have come to you in the hope that you can give them a small piece of normalcy again. We came to you in tears, in pain and in disappointment. Our bodies have let us down. They’ve taken […]
By Brittany Rogers in The Mighty. I have a genetic condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Like many chronic illnesses, this causes widespread pain. It also brings along its co-morbid friends, like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). POTS is a disturbance in your autonomic system, causing symptoms such as: dizziness, fatigue, lightheadedness, fast heart rate, low […]
By Chanel White in The Mighty. As a young woman battling serious illness with multiple hidden medical devices, I have found there is a high rate of unnecessary and hurtful comments by those who assume I am not sick. This encounter seems to be a reoccurring experience for many patients battling hidden or invisible disabilities. […]
From the Blonde Voyage Blog by Emma Franklin. I began to write this blog as a place for myself to figure out what went wrong in my body, how on earth did I end up like this? It was a safe place for me to chronologically write out my journey to discover the missing pieces […]
Did you know today is ‘Self-Care Sunday’ ? No ? Well click on the link below to find out some ideas on looking after yourself today….. Link to Self-Care Sunday
There are so many questions banded about as to the story of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), but this video gives a better and fuller insight than most. Once you've watched it, please copy the link and spread the word to raise awareness. Thank you.
To watch this video, click 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.
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 !
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 York, and you see a vehicle parked across a dropped kerb, call the council's hotline on 0800 138 1119 and the Civil Enforcement Officers will respond and are able to issue tickets. We know this won't help you right then and there, but the hope is that the more people report it, the more people get tickets, then slowly behaviour will start to change.
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:
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 York ME Community
@YorkMEAwareness
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 !
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).
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.
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.
Dr Byron Hyde has dedicated his medical career to looking into M.E.
In this interview Dr. Byron Hyde, founder of the Nightingale Research Foundation in Ottawa, Canada, emphasizes the brain and enteroviruses. He also emphasizes his belief that Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are separate issues.
To watch this interview on YouTube, click on the link below:
Those within the ME Community have always known how damaging being prescribed Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) can be to their future health. We have a broken energy production system and therefore normal rules do not apply. The PACE Trial tried to show that it helps, but has been debunked by scientists and researchers worldwide. The PACE Trial in fact is now held up as an example of how NOT to conduct such trials.
To understand better the truth of GET and The PACE Trial, click on the link below to watch two short videos.
We are the ME/CFS Biomedical Partnership, a collaboration between researchers and people with ME/CFS, carers and the public.
The DecodeME DNA study aims to help us understand the disease and ultimately find treatments.
To read more, or get involved, click on the link below:
This is open to any organisation looking to have a bit of fun whilst supporting your local community. We're underway now for the current season but will be recruiting teams for our 6th season around July 2021. 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 Fantasy Football League tab at the top of the site for all the information you'll need.
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 |
To read the ME Research Summary 2019 by ME Action covering the last ten years, 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.
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.
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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.
