Help for people with ME/CFS in and around Stockport

What is the Stockport ME Group?

It is an independent registered charity, run by volunteers, whose aim is to help improve the quality of life for all ME sufferers, their families and carers.

The group actively campaigns for improved services for all sufferers, e.g. NHS and statutory benefits.

Membership

Membership is open to anyone living in Stockport and the surrounding areas who has ME/PVFS/CFS (whether diagnosis has been confirmed or not) or to their family/partner/carer - or anybody else who is sympathetic to the aims of the Group.

There is a small annual subscription, however, free membership is available for anyone who cannot afford to pay.

Membership Benefits

• Monthly meetings with expert speakers.
• Library/postal library of ME books, videos and tapes.
• Regular Newsletters.
• Wheelchair loan.
• Telephone contact group.
• Welfare and benefits advice.
• Access to local support services.
• Close links with NHS Services for adults/children with ME.
• Groups such as:- Yoga, Meditation and Relaxation.
• 'ME friendly' social events.
• Somebody to talk to and who knows what you are talking about!

Specialist Groups

Young Persons' Group - for sufferers in their late teens to thirties. Through regular meetings, telephone and e-mail this group offers friendship, information and support.

Parents' Group - for those whose children have the illness. It offers moral support and advice on available (and tried) therapies, home tuition and special examination arrangements.

NHS Services

In August 2004, Stockport Primary Care Trust took over Stockport ME Group's unique National Lottery funded ME Outreach Nurse Service.

Ask your GP to refer you to the CFS/ME Multidisciplinary team for support and advice on self-management and symptomatic control. This multidisciplinary team offers group management courses, individual home and clinic sessions. The team cover the following areas:

• Stockport PCT

• Oldham PCT

• Manchester PCT

Tel: 0161 426 5481