More of the Same

 Lets CELEBRATE, JUMP FOR JOY, and BE EVER SO HAPPY (I know, even the thought of doing so is totally exhausting!)

 Why am I so bursting with enthusiasm and joyous outbursts? (No, its not because of the festive season!) Well have you not heard? We now have the news concerning the PACE/FINE research programme which is, incidentally, partly being headed up by someone who does not even believe in Pacing and has been opposed to it. We are then going to have the insult of having more CBT/GET research as well. What annoys me more though is that some seem to be supporting this approach and even praising its usefulness in various publications. It is my opinion, and that of many people suffering from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, that we do not need more of the same, but instead need to look at the current research and expand on that in order to find the answers to this disease. We need Biological research, not psychological. I would say that any organisation that puts forward CBT and GET as therapies needs to be challenged. These treatments do harm patients with ME and even when allegedly, carried out by so-called professionals in treatment centres.

 I sincerely hope that the 8.5 million that has been ear-marked for new CFS/ME centres is not hi-jacked by psychiatrists, otherwise we will also have duplication and the implications for our membership who have severe ME are not good.

 If you see any publication putting forward the “virtues” of the above then please challenge them, especially our main charities!

 Future funding of staff

 We are now entering the third year of the COMMUNITY FUND funding for our Group, which covers the salaries for staff. I am looking at applying for an extension to this funding, but we may have to look at alternatives. If you have any thoughts or suggestions then please contact me in Troon (please see separate A5 sheet).

 Thanks

I wish to thank all those who continue to help with different activities within the Group; it is amazing that so many are helping others when you are so ill.  It is much appreciated by many others and myself.