PRE- LAUNCH MEDIA PUBLICITY

Ayr Advertiser Series,13^th April 05

By Fariha Karim

ME Group Launches in Troon

MSP Alex Fergusson will be among those attending the launch of Britain’s only service dedicated to severe sufferers of the disabling illness, ME, in Troon next week.

The new “25% ME Group” will provide services and advocacy support to severe sufferers of ME throughout Scotland after clinching £143,978 of Big Lottery funding.

As yet, it is the only group to offer such support to severe ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) sufferers throughout the UK.

A recent study by the group found that 61 per cent of their members had reported receiving inadequate care packages to support them in their homes and with their disability needs.

But now, users of the service will be offered a benefits advice and form-filling service, telephone support, and face-to-face representation as and when required.

The funding, which has been allocated for the next three years, has also allowed the group to set up new offices at 21 Church Street, and employ a full-time advocacy worker and a part-time administrator.

Practical advice on many issues including those related to community care, accessing appropriate health and social services and the benefits system will be among the services offered.

Next week, the group will hold the official launch of the project. As well as Alex Fergusson MSP, who is also the chairman of the Scottish Cross Party Group on ME, and John Scott MSP, local councillors and healthcare professionals are expected to attend.

Co-ordinator Simon Lawrence, of Beach Road, said the service was vital given the difficulties ME sufferers face. He said “ME sufferers need a simple procedure and assistance in obtaining suitable care for their long-term, disabling illness.”

“I believe the provision of this new service, thanks to the Big Lottery Fund, will greatly alleviate some of the problems that sufferers face on a daily basis.”

Advocacy Service

Mr Lawrence, who himself suffers from the illness, added “We hope to provide real, practical support for people with this condition. We might not be able to offer a cure, but we certainly plan to alleviate some of the everyday problems experienced by sufferers with the introduction of this type of specialized advocacy service.”

Of the 15,000 children and adults in Scotland suffering from ME, at least 3,500 are severely affected.

Severely affected sufferers are left in constant pain, unable to walk, wash, speak, listen to music, or feed themselves, with many unable to tolerate sunlight.