Group friends
The Group Friends of ME Research UK scheme is for local ME support groups and organisations across the world that share our medium-to-long-term aim of a medical breakthrough in ME/CFS, and recognise that only biomedical research can achieve this goal.
Existing side-by-side with our Individual Friends and Corporate Friends schemes, it allows local groups to stand behind our thrust towards a biomedical breakthrough in the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS. We thank all the organisations listed below for their willingness to be our Group Friends. If you would like more information about registering your organisation as a Group Friend of ME Research UK, please contact our Administrator.
Aberdeen ME Group
This group covers Aberdeenshire and North-East Scotland. Anyone may contact us if we are their nearest group. We keep in contact with other groups throughout Britain, and would like to have contact with Ireland. We are a self-help group of patients with ME and their carers, and keep in contact with each other by letter, telephone and e-mail. We keep in contact with local health services, hoping to raise the profile of ME and improve support for patients.
Meetings: We arrange occasional visits and fund-raising meetings, swap information and give each other moral support; please contact us for details.
Tel: Barbara 01244 497999 or Alister Troup 01224 311410
E-mail: alister@i-am-zeus.com
Athlone/Ballinaslo ME/CFS Support Group, Ireland
Established in September 2003 in Ballinasloe, our main objective is to offer support, advice and friendship to ME sufferers, carers and families. Each year during ME Awareness Week we fundraise for research and also raise awareness for the illness.
Meetings: Our meetings are every 6 to 8 weeks, and to date Dr Vance Spence and Dr Basant Puri have come to Ballinasloe and Athlone to talk to us, and we are most grateful. We can be contacted through the Irish ME/CFS Support Group, PO Box 3075, Dublin 2.
Tel: oi-2350965
E-mail: info@irishmecfs.org
Cambridge ME Support Group
We are a friendly group which offers support and information to anyone affected by ME, whether as a patient, carer, family member or otherwise. Please don’t feel you’re alone in battling against this difficult condition — our group can offer help, advice and friendship.
Meetings: We meet regularly, with interesting speakers and social events. Members receive a newsletter, which includes both local and national news about ME, and also have access to our group library of ME-related books, leaflets, tapes and videos.
Tel: Sarah 01638 781199
Website: www.cam-me.org.uk
Castleford Aid for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CAME)
We have been fundraising for research since 1994 with success, and in 1997 we started caring for all of the ill people in our area so that they could benefit at home until a cure is found for this devastating illness.
Meetings: CAME meets every third Thursday in the month. We have a relaxing two hours with other sufferers and carers from all over the Wakefield area, with care, friendship and a listening ear. Our membership list grows, and any help we can give we will.
Tel: Avril J Jones (Chairperson) 01977 517364
E-mail: came4me@aol.com
Central Scotland ME Support (Central Region)
Meetings: We meet for lunch every Tuesday between 12.00 and 1.30 pm at the Cafe/Bistro, Brucefields Family Golf Centre, Pirnhall Road, Bannockburn, Stirling. Other meetings are advertised widely.
Tel: Alexandra Russell 01786 816478 between 10 am and 6 pm
Cornwall MESH
This self-help group aims to support sufferers and carers, offering advice, friendship and information through meetings, local contacts and quarterly newsletters. There is also group representation on the local liaison committee of the NHS CFS/ME service.
Meetings: The group holds quarterly meetings. Further information can be found in the newsletter or contact Gill 01209 217271.
Tel: Helpline, Wendy 01872 863568
E-mail: Membership Secretary peterjlarner@sagainternet.co.uk
Dumfries and Galloway ME Network
We are a friendly group of sufferers and carers who have formed a network throughout the region to offer support and advice. We hold regular meetings at various towns throughout the region.
Meetings: A social get-together is held on the first Saturday of each month between 2 pm and 3.30 pm at Garden Wise Garden Centre, Castle Douglas Road, Dumfries. Other meetings and activities are advertised in our free newsletter.
Tel: Norma 01576 204129
E-mail: craig@dgme.co.uk
Web: www.dgme.co.uk
Eastleigh and Winchester ME Support Group
A locally-based independent self-help group for sufferers and those caring for people with ME/CFS. We aim to offer support, advice and friendship to people with ME/CFS who live in Eastleigh/Winchester and surrounding areas.
Meetings: We meet on the last Saturday of every month (except December).
Tel: 02380 251719
Web: www.eastwinme.ik.com
Edinburgh MESH
We aim to provide support, information and friendship to people affected by this illness. Although most of our members are ME sufferers, we also welcome carers, family and friends — indeed anyone with an interest in ME.
Meetings: The group has regular meetings and social events — contact the membership secretary or the website for details.
Contact: Edinburgh ME Self-Help Group, Membership Secretary, 3/9 East Champanyie, Edinburgh EH9 3EL
Tel: 0845 625 2025
Web: www.edmesh.org.uk
Glasgow Cathcart ME Support Group
Established in 1990, this group covers patients in South Glasgow and East Renfrewshire. It is an informal group, run by ME sufferers, which aims to provide assistance and support to fellow ME, Chronic Fatigue and Post Viral Fatigue sufferers and their carers, through friendship, a listening ear, advice, relevant literature and signposting to other agencies. The Group representatives are also involved in the Cross Party Group on ME in the Scottish Parliament, and in discussion with NHS Greater Glasgow regarding the provision of Clinical Services for ME/CFS. The group also supports research programs into the illness.
Meetings: On the last Thursday of the month (except December), in Cathcart Trinity Church Hall, 90 Clarkston Road, Glasgow.
Tel: John McKnight 0141 632 2486, Tony Coleman 0141 571 1991
Hampshire Friends with ME (incorporating the Isle of Wight)
We are a county-wide support group (registered charity number 1101610) established to help, inform and support people with ME/CFS, and their carers and families, in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We produce regular newsletters and bulletins and run a contact list to facilitate members being able to keep in touch with each other. We also operate a telephone support line and a home visiting service for the severely affected.
Meetings: Within our group are several branches which organise regular meetings, and occasional social events and outings, throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Tel: Sue on 0239 242 0732
E-mail: membership@hantsmesupport.co.uk
Web: www.hantsmesupport.co.uk
Herefordshire CFS/ME/FMS Group
The members of the Herefordshire CFS/ME/FMS Group aim to give each other support, to share information and to campaign for proper levels of health care within the NHS. We keep an eye on developments around the country regarding services and research, and we work closely with other groups in the West Midlands, so that we can keep members informed. We are also involved in making sure that ME sufferers get the treatment they need from the NHS.
Meetings: Informal monthly meetings, occasionally with a speaker, are held for members who are well enough to attend, and a monthly newsletter is posted to all members.
Tel: John 01432 850426
E-mail: herefordmegroup@care4free.net
Web: www.herefordme.org.uk or www.dremer.me.uk
Inverness and District ME Group
We are an informal support group for anyone of any age suffering from any of ME/CFS/Post Viral Fatigue/Fibromyalgia who would like to talk about or find out more about their condition.
Meetings: We meet on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 11:00 to 12:30 at the Craigmonie Hotel, Annfield Road, Inverness, for chat, mutual support and to hear the occasional speaker. Cost £1 per week. Please feel free to come and meet us.
Tel: Helen 01463 710411, Fiona 01463 220757, Pat 01463 234720, Rena 01463 790408, Sandy 01667 462408
Lanarkshire ME Support Group
The group is a self-help group for sufferers and carers who are seeking support, advice and information. We aim to provide a safe place where sufferers can discuss their illness and get support from each other. The group tries to keep abreast of all the latest positive developments in ME research and will provide some information on this, or how to obtain that information. Group members have also taken an active part in ME research carried out by researchers in the Glasgow area.
Meetings: The support group meets informally only at present as previous local authority premises are no longer available. Most contact is currently by telephone. The group can also provide details of other groups who do meet up formally on a regular basis.
Tel: Jane Giakoumakis 01698 817114
E-mail: janeyannis@talktalk.net
ME Support Fife
ME Support Fife is working towards independent charity status, and is a Fife-based support organisation for people with ME. In the near future it aims to develop support, both medical and educational, for children and young people with ME in the Fife area. There is a regular newsletter, and the Group meets on the second Monday of each month. The Group supports ME Research UK with fundraising activities whenever possible. Fife now has a Specialist Nurse for ME, and his post has been assured for permanence.
Meetings: VONEF (right next to main Post Office), Crossgate, Cupar.
Tel: Catherine Lewis 01334 653202
E-mail: catherine@claremont-cupar.freeserve.co.uk
ME Support Norfolk
ME Support Norfolk has been in existence for almost 20 years, having originally begun as a local branch of one of the national ME charities. Since 2000, when our current name was adopted, we have been an independent self-financing support group catering for that part of Norfolk not covered by our sister group, West Norfolk ME Support.
Meetings: We meet monthly, every second Tuesday, and have speakers at some of our meetings. At our AGM we usually have a main guest speaker, and other meetings are advertised in our newsletters which come out every month.
Tel: Barry Wiseman (Chairperson) 01603 745101
Mid and West Wales ME Group
The group is a self-help group for people with ME and related illnesses, their families and carers. It is a registered charity (1085348) and was formed in 2002 as a successor to Mid Wales ME Group and West Wales ME/CFS. Its catchment area is Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Gwent, Merioneth, Neath/Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, Powys and Swansea. The Group is campaigning for better health services for people with ME within its catchment area and holds occasional fund-raising events. It offers regular meetings wherever possible, a newsletter six times a year, a listening ear service and a postal library.
Meetings: We meet once every two months in North or Mid Ceredigion, and once every two months in Carmarthenshire.
Tel: Derryan Paul (secretary) 01970 828896
E-mail: derryan@midwalesmegroup.org.uk
Web: www.midwalesmegroup.org.uk
Milton Keynes ME Group (MK MEG)
MK MEG is a self-help support group for people with ME/CFS, Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, and their carers, in the Milton Keynes area. We produce a newsletter every other month.
Meetings: we meet monthly (except in December). Sometimes we have a speaker, either on a topic relevant to the illnesses or on one of more general interest; other meetings are informal get-togethers. At all meetings there is time to chat over refreshments. For details of meetings, please contact us or check our website.
Tel: 0845 1232649
E-mail: ME_CFS_enquiries@mkmeg.org.uk
Web: www.mkmeg.org.uk
Network MESH (West London)
We are registered charity with 180 members covering West London, founded in 1988. We try to reduce the isolation many people with ME experience and provide advice and support. Our newsletter comes out four times a year and we arrange meetings. Some meetings are purely social but at some we have speakers on topics of interest to members. We are also active in raising money for biomedical research. We have been fully involved in the setting up of a local CFS/ME clinic at Hillingdon Hospital, which takes referrals from GPs across West London.
Tel: Tony Golding (Chair and Treasurer) 020 8400 1904
E-mail: tony@bedfordpark.demon.co.uk
Web: www.networkmesh-westlondon-me.org
Northallerton and District ME Support Group
The group was re-launched in September 2006. It is now run by local people with ME. We welcome anyone living in Northallerton itself or any of the nearby towns and villages who have an interest in ME — sufferers, their families and carers. We are a small, friendly/informal group. We meet to provide mutual support and exchange information whilst enjoying a chat and refreshments.
Meetings: The group meets on a monthly basis (usually the first Monday of the month — except bank holidays when an alternative date will be chosen) in a central Northallerton location. Meetings take place from 1.30 to 3.30 pm. The meeting room has full disabled access with parking and transport links nearby. If you would like to come along to a meeting or find out more about the group, please contact Gillian Dodsworth (Chairperson), weekdays between 1 and 6.30 pm.
Tel: 01609 779452.
Paisley and District ME Support Group
A local independent group offering support to people with ME/Chronic Fatigue.
Meetings: Meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Disability Resource Centre, 74 Love Street, Paisley from 2 pm to 4 pm, offering advice, information and mutual support to sufferers and their carers.
Tel: Theresa Bates (Chair) 0141 561 3426 or Theresa Hamill 0141 561 6928 or Robert Watson 01505 842954
E-mail: Please contact meruk@pkavs.org.uk for details
Peterborough ME and CFS Self-Help Group
The group was formed in May 2000 to raise the public awareness of ME/CFS. We offer support to those affected by these illnesses and aim to gather information for those interested in this area for personal or professional reasons. We provide advocacy and home visits where possible, and we also work closely with health authorities regarding policy and services for and awareness of ME.
Meetings: Lecture Theatre (1st Floor), Edith Cavel Hospital, Bretton, Peterborough PE3 9GZ (wheelchairs available from reception).
Contact: Di Newman and Team, Peterborough ME and CFS Self Help Group, (MEET) PO Box 775, Peterborough PE1 4WZ
Tel: 01733 552872
E-mail: info@peterboroughme.fsnet.co.uk
Website: www.peterboroughme.fsnet.co.uk
Richmond and Kingston ME Group
This group supports ME sufferers and their family and friends principally in the London Boroughs of Richmond and Kingston. We have a bi-monthly newsletter, library, telephone helpline, telephone contact list, coffee mornings and an e-mail chat group. We have a current membership of about 80 members.
E-mail: skip812-rkmegroup@yahoo.co.uk
Sheffield ME Group
Sheffield ME Group is a support group for people affected by ME in Sheffield and surrounding areas. We have regular meetings, socials and an annual conference, as well as a quarterly newsletter and a postal library. We have an Information Line and also a daily Listening Ear helpline.
Meetings: Please see the website or phone the number below.
Contact: Blades Enterprise Centre, John Street, Sheffield S2 4SW.
Tel/Fax: 0114 292 2311
E-mail: info@SheffieldMEgroup.co.uk
Web: www.SheffieldMEgroup.co.uk
Shropshire and Wrekin ME Support
The group currently has a membership of over 150 ME sufferers. We are here to offer a point of local contact to all who have to live with this dreadful condition, and attempt to help members in a number of ways: by a local newsletter sent to members at approximately monthly intervals, and by holding local group meetings where fellow sufferers can exchange ideas and gain mutual support.
Meetings: We hold regular local group meetings where fellow sufferers can exchange ideas and gain mutual support. Contact us for details.
Contact: Monica Dalby
E-mail: dalby_50@hotmail.com
Web: www.shropshiremesupport.org.uk
Solihull and Birmingham ME Group
Solihull and South Birmingham ME Support Group is an independent, self-supporting group set up to provide support for sufferers of ME/CFS living in the Solihull and South Birmingham area.
Meetings: We have ten monthly meetings a year (not August or January). Meetings are usually informal, and open for chat and discussion.
Contact: Jenny, c/o 59 Cartland Road, Stirchley B30 2SD
Tel: Janet 0121 449 8133
E-mail: jlgriffin@blueyonder.co.uk
Web: www.ssb4.me.uk
South Molton ME Support Group, North Devon
We are a fairly small and very friendly group, run by people with ME and carers. Meetings are fully reported in regular personal-style newsletters, which follow each meeting to keep those informed who cannot be there. We also operate an e-mail news update system for members with access to e-mail. We aim to raise awareness of and disseminate quality information about ME/CFS within the wider community, including amongst health professionals, and to provide support and information to those with ME/CFS in our community and, with the use of information technology, beyond. (Our members mainly live in the area around South Molton up to Barnstaple and Braunton and the Exmoor coast, but we do have others as far afield as Torrington and Cullompton). Increasingly, as awareness and knowledge improves, we see our purpose also as raising awareness about and fundraising for biomedical research into the cause of ME/CFS.
Meetings: We hold fairly informal meetings approximately monthly at Ann’s house (details from Ann). We either have a speaker or discuss a particular issue, or are just there for one another. We have a summer (BBQ) social event and a Christmas lunch at a local hostelry.
Tel: Ann 01769 572738 or Jacqui 01769 572207
E-mail: jacquiftmn@ukonline.co.uk
Sunderland and South Tyneside ME/CFS Support Group
We are a locally-based, independent charitable organisation that is run by volunteers, the majority of whom have ME/CFS. The founders, a small number of volunteer sufferers and carers, set out to provide support for the increasing number of people diagnosed with the condition. As one of the largest support groups in the North-East, we attract members from both the local and regional areas and as such offer an open door policy to any interested parties. Some members who are unable to attend our meetings stay in touch by telephone, fax, post and e-mail, and are kept informed through our quarterly newsletter. We have monthly meetings, social events and quarterly newsletter workshops.
Meetings: We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month (except December) at 7 pm in the Nookside Centre, Grindon, Sunderland.
Contact: c/o 25 St Vincent Street, South Shields NE33 3AR
Tel: Pauline 0191 455 6959
Web: www.mecfs.co.uk
Warwickshire Network for ME
Based in Rugby and Coventry but networking throughout Warwickshire, the group actively supports biological research into ME and campaigns for appropriate services for people with the illness. A quarterly newsletter and group e-mail/telephone contact list enables the severely affected and the housebound to be in contact with others locally. The group stresses that it wishes to see a diagnostic test for the illness, more effective treatments and of course ultimately a cure.
Meetings: As many of the group are housebound and from a wide geographical area, the majority of contact is currently by e-mail or telephone.
Contact: Duncan Cox 01788 812440 (pref. 12 to 2 pm or after 4pm), Patricia Lake 01789 488346 (pref. 10 am to 2 pm or after 4pm), Tracey Browett 024 76 451526 (pref. after 2 pm)
E-mail: warksnetworkforme@ukonline.co.uk
Worcestershire ME Support Group
Worcestershire ME Support Group is for people with ME/CFS Fibromyalgia within the Worcestershire area.
Meetings: Monthly informal gatherings are held in Worcester, Malvern, Kidderminster, Pershore and Bromsgrove. Check the news page on our website for dates and details.
Tel: Jill Pigott (Co-ordinator) 01905 455187
E-mail: worcsmegroup@yahoo.co.uk
Web: www.geocities.com/worcsmegroup
