ME/CFS Support (Auckland) Inc

ME Auckland is a charity who support people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and related conditions with the vision that all people with ME/CFS live their most fulfilling life.

Around 6,000 Aucklanders live with ME/CFS. Many people are disadvantaged by the economic impact of the illness, along with low levels of understanding and diagnosis of, and treatment for ME/CFS in the public health system.

Our mission is for every person with ME/CFS and related conditions, to experience high quality health care and community support, free from stigma and discrimination.

Our case workers help those with ME/CFS with illness management solutions, mental health support, GP support and work and income advocacy, connections to other community organisations and facilitating online and face to face support groups. Carers and family members are often on a similar journey to the person with ME/CFS and support them is also an essential part of our work.

ME/CFS significantly effects the ability of one to live a normal life, with episodic poor health and a number of associated conditions. They frequently experience stigma and misunderstanding that effects their overall mental health and wellbeing. Many people are disadvantaged by the economic impact of the illness, along with low levels of understanding and diagnosis of, and treatment for ME/CFS in the public health system. People with ME/CFS are physically isolated and their limited ability to complete daily tasks limits their ability to lobby and access services, which makes ME Auckland’s role even more critical.

The issue many people are facing is that there is little or no public health system support for people who are diagnosed from ME/CFS and ME Auckland is heavily reliant on small grants and public donations and needs more support to meet the growing need for their services. Many of its members are in financial difficulty and cannot afford the care they need to help manage their illness.

OUR PURPOSE

To validate those with ME/CFS and provide best practice, solutions focused support, advocacy and education services that improve the wellbeing of individuals suffering from ME/CFS.