MECFS Canterbury celebrates 40th Anniversary
It’s the 40th Ruby Anniversary for the MECFS Canterbury! From the beginning in 1985, our charity was active in providing education and support for people with ME/CFS and the health professionals who were involved in providing clinical care for them. Our current team is honoured to be continuing this legacy to provide information, validation, clinical support, connection, practical support and advocacy.
A big thank you to our funders who enable us to provide limited but often critical services to our community - services that are not readily available from the public health sector.
People often tell us that our charity is the only health service that has understood their life with debilitating chronic illness and provided appropriate clinical, lifestyle, social and other supports. A client recently shared "I was overwhelmed, unsure where to start, and felt like no one really understood what I was going through. The support I received here changed that. You helped me feel seen and supported at a time when I was struggling to advocate for myself."
We welcome donations to mark this occasion and to enable us to continue to support our vulnerable chronically ill community over our 41st year. Are you able to join our Ruby Crew?
In the last year alone...
- 277 people enrolled in our Registered Nurse Service to receive support for diagnosis, symptom management, and advocacy.
- 74 people supported by our advocates to explore the financial assistance available to them from Work and Income NZ.
- 45 group meetings held around our region to provide connections and education.
- 574 members: people receiving our updates or engaging with our services in some way.
- 631 subscribers of our newsletter, including professionals.
- 8 educational events and material delivered for professionals supporting our community.
- $0 received from the government’s health budget.
Find out more about the 40th anniversarry for MECFS Canterbury, including ways to donate.
Donate to MECFS Canterbury on Give a Little.
About MECFS Canterbury West Coast
ME/CFS Canterbury West Coast is a community health and clinical service organisation focused on improving the wellbeing of people affected by ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and long COVID throughout the Canterbury and West Coast areas. We also provide education about ME/CFS for health and other professionals.
This charity provides a variety of services including:
- A Registered Nurse Service provides individual support for: exploring a diagnosis; symptom management; loan of activity trackers; advocacy with GPs, Work and Income, and others; referral to allied health and collaboration with other health professionals; support for children and young people in the Southern Health School.
- In-person and online social catchups and meetings for people with ME/CFS and their whānau.
- An online support group on Facebook that enables connections and information sharing amongst peers.
- A regular newsletter and access to our library collection.
- Other supportive services including Work and Income advocacy and friendly callers.
Membership and services are FREE.
Find out how to join MECFS Canterbury West Coast.