Welcome

... to the web site for the
Northern Ireland ME Association

NI MEA Presentation to the Health Minister, 28 Sep 2009
Rt. Hon. Michael McGimpsey (left)

NEW: Also see Update & Results of Stormont Meeting

Working Group Report: 28 Oct 2009

ME is NOT a psychiatric illness...

The Northern Ireland ME Association would like to thank all those who have participated in our Petition and Letter Writing Campaign to get dedicated Specialist ME Clinics established in the Province.

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ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) or CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), as it is also sometimes known, is a potentially severely disabling and chronic illness. It affects all age groups, including children and young people. The cost of this illness cannot be calculated – lost skills, productivity, education, careers, financial and personal independence, relationships. There is also the cost of state benefits payments, medical consultations, test and treatments. However, scepticism still exists about this illness, which is neither fully understood nor totally accepted.

A Deceptive Illness...

The misunderstanding and prejudice which surrounds ME has led to feelings of disbelief and added greatly to the distress and misery experienced by those with the illness. The Northern Ireland ME Association feels that having to prove that ME exists should not be the responsibility of those who are sick and disabled. ME is a debilitating physical illness. We campaign to ensure that those affected have access to the same facilities and support as those affected by other disabling illnesses.