Can you help support what MECFS Canterbury does to meet the growing, unfunded need of people living with ME/CFS and Long COVID in Canterbury and the West Coast? Support our Impact OUR PURPOSE That every person with ME/CFS and Long COVID in Canterbury and the West Coast lives the best quality of life possible . ME/CFS has the lowest health-related quality of life of twenty major illnesses studied — yet there are no specialist clinics, no specialising GPs, and no public health funding for this community in our region. We are the only locally based organisation filling that gap, and the need is growing. HOW WE WORK Five programme areas, one purpose. Select a programme area to see what we deliver and the difference it makes for people with ME/CFS and Long COVID, their whānau, and the wider health system. Information Sharing & Validation Clinical Support Connections Practical Support Advocacy & Networking For many people, being believed and having access to good quality information is the first step towards living well with this illness. WHAT WE DELIVER Website, newsletter, and social media presence and campaigns Group meetings with discussion and presentations Welcome information packs, library, and other resources Contribution to Health Pathways content for health professionals Contribution to public-facing content on Health NZ topics WHAT CHANGES Illness experience is acknowledged and validated Clarity around suitable approaches for managing the illnesses Sense of community and reduced feelings of isolation Improved wellbeing and support for whānau Wider awareness of ME/CFS Most people with ME/CFS are socially isolated. Connection is care. WHAT WE DELIVER Online peer support groups on Facebook In-person and online facilitated meetings Informal social catch-ups and activities One-on-one connections with friendly callers WHAT CHANGES Sense of community and understanding Friendships Reduced isolation Improved wellbeing Our nurses are often the first professional that people have seen who have understood their illness. WHAT WE DELIVER Diagnostic assessments and support with symptom management Support with common comorbidities Advocacy with each client's health team Referrals to other health and social services Support for students at the Southern Regional Health School Education for health professionals, whānau, teachers, and others WHAT CHANGES Expert assessment gives clients clarity about their health issues GPs are supported to diagnose with confidence Tailored guidance, improved functionality, and improved wellbeing Accommodations from whānau, educators, and workplaces Fewer people attending the Emergency Department Many people in our community live with no or limited support and in poverty. Practical help and information eases the daily load. WHAT WE DELIVER Work and Income Advocacy Service Living with ME/CFS section on our website Outreach volunteers for gardening, housework, friendly contact, and more Equipment for loan and an intervention fund Health and wellbeing activities, such as online Tai Chi, and art and craft sessions WHAT CHANGES More stable income from MSD Reduced stress and awareness of supports available Support to reduce symptom flares Improved wellbeing Changing the system and awareness so our community is understood and supported everywhere they go. WHAT WE DELIVER Submissions to government with other ME/CFS organisations Collaboration on national awareness campaigns Education and guidance for health professionals Relationship with Health NZ Sharing resources and collaborating with the wider health and community sector WHAT CHANGES Increased understanding of ME/CFS in government departments and the health and community sectors Increased public awareness Improved support from others Reduced stigma 2,814+ people in our region living with ME/CFS 33,053+ people in our region living with Long COVID post-viral fatigue 0 GPs in our region specialising in ME/CFS $0 Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora funding THE FUNDING GAP A clinical service running entirely on grants and donations. 75% of people with ME/CFS cannot work or attend school , and 25% are severely unwell and bed-bound. Despite this, our community receives no targeted support from the public health system. Our Registered Nurse service, advocacy, and community supports cost $200,000+ a year — funded entirely by community foundations, gaming trusts, charitable trusts, and donations. Right now 55 people sit on our nurse service waiting list , facing up to a seven-month delay, because capacity is limited by funding alone. Long COVID has made a historically under-recognised illness an urgent and growing one. Every dollar donated goes directly to a community no one else is funded to serve. $0 PUBLIC HEALTH FUNDING Donate Now OUR KEY OBJECTIVES What we are working towards Diagnosis and symptom management Enable people to access a diagnosis and receive support with managing their symptoms. Financial support Enable people to explore and obtain the financial support available from the government. Community and validation Enable community connections, provide validation, and reduce isolation Education and information Provide education and information for health professionals and for self-management. OUR VALUES Compassion Respect Equity Patient-centred Collaboration We are informed by the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights, and the Hui Process and Meihana Model for building client relationships. OUR REACH Demand for our services keeps growing Figures for the year ending 31 August 2025, with 2022 comparisons where available. 292 clients in our Registered Nurse service this year (437 enrolled since 2020) 13 students supported at the Southern Regional Health School 631 newsletter subscribers ▲from 160 in 2022 777 Facebook page followers ▲ from 252 to 2022 560 online peer support forum members ▲from 230 in 2022 53 paid staff hours per week (1.33 FTE) ▲ from 38 to 2022 74 clients assisted by our Work and Income Advocacy Service 47 volunteer hours per week ▲ from 25 in 2022 All of this was delivered by 1.33 full-time-equivalent paid staff, supported by volunteers - many of whom live with the illness themselves. Can you volunteer with us? " If I hadn't met with the nurse who validated my experience of my chronic illness and advocated for me with my GP to obtain a diagnosis, I would not be here. Life had got too hard. Client of the MECFS Canterbury Registered Nurse Service WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS The only door open to this community. There is no other local organisation or public service formally supporting people with ME/CFS and Long COVID in Canterbury and the West Coast. When someone is too unwell to work, study, or leave their home, we are where they turn. Funding is the only thing limiting our capacity. Our waiting list exists not because the need is unclear, but because grants and donations are our sole income. Your support directly extends a clinical and community service that the public system does not provide. ARE YOU IN A POSITION TO SUPPORT... A proven Registered Nurse Service with measurable outcomes - diagnosis, symptom management, and fewer emergency department visits Advocacy that lifts incomes and reduces stress for families living in poverty Connection and validation for some of the most isolated people in our region A growing need - an estimated 33,053 people in our region live with Long COVID post-viral fatigue Lean delivery - 1.33 FTE paid staff matched by nearly equal volunteer hours Donate Now Prevalence figures are conservative estimates: ME/CFS at 0.4% of population (1 in 250); Long COVID post-viral fatigue at 4.7% of population. Service statistics from the MECFS Canterbury Statistics Snapshot, year ending 31 August 2025.

A list of discounts on products and services offered by businesses to our ME/CFS community Discounts offered on Products and Services We are grateful to the businesses below who have kindly offered discounts on their products and services for our ME/CFS community. When we live with a debilitating chronic illness, we often have very limited income, and it is really helpful to have access to discounted products and services. Discounts on this list were correct when added. Please do let us know if you discover the discount or service is no longer valid or details have changed, so that we can update this list. DISCLAIMER: We have no formal relationship with the business activities listed on this website page. Links to these activities are included for convenience. ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast is not responsible for the currency or accuracy of content on such websites and the inclusion of such links does not imply endorsement by MECFS Canterbury of the linked website or its provider, products and services offered. Readers are advised to take their own appropriate due diligence steps prior to engaging with the businesses and individuals listed. Clean Meals Ready-Made Meals https://cleanmeals.co.nz/ Eating clean doesn't need to be bland. Freshly made meals, breakfasts, and snacks. Meals are chilled not frozen. See our Easy Meals list for more details about this supplier. Discount Details Use code MECFS25C for 10% off your order. EATL8R Ready-Made Meals http://www.eatl8r.co.nz Nutritious meals delivered to you. The Eatl8r menu changes weekly and with the seasons. Meals (regular or petite sized), soups, desserts. Ingredient lists available. Pickup in Waltham or delivered to greater Christchurch See our Easy Meals list for more details about this supplier. Discount Details Use code MECFS10 for 10% off your order. Kai 2 You Ready-Made Meals https://www.kai2you.co.nz Freshly made & delivered. No subscriptions. Value for money. New menu every week. Meals (regular or petite sized), soups, scones, desserts. Ingredient lists available. Pickup in Papanui or delivered to greater Christchurch See our Easy Meals list for more details about this supplier. Discount Details Use code MECF10 for 10% off. Supergold card holders get 14% off with code super14. Meal Prep Ready-Made Meals https://mealprep.nz High-protein meals - no prep, no stress, Care packages and gift vouchers. Freshly made breakfast, lunch and dinners, Dairy free, vegan, and vegetarian options are available. No preservatives. Delivered two days after order from Papamoa. See our Easy Meals list for more details about this supplier. Discount Details Use code MECFS10 for 10% off first order of 3 different meals above $50. Not available on subscriptions or meal plans. My Kitchen Table Ready-Made Meals https://mykitchentable.nz Chef quality meals proudly made fresh and frozen in Nelson. Freshly made frozen meals (single or double serve), soups and Meal boxes. Gluten free, dairy free, vegan and vegetarian options. Delivered from Nelson. See our Easy Meals list for more details about this supplier. Discount Details Use code MECFS15 for 15% off. Not available on specials.

Sponsorship If your business or organisation is interested in supporting people living with ME/CFS, we would love to hear from you. There are opportunities to make a difference by sponsoring an event, service area, operational costs, funding key positions, and more. First Name Last Name Email Message Thanks for submitting! Send What to know more about us, our community, and our work? Visit our Impact Map page which covers our purpose, programme areas, key objectives and reach and highlights the funding gap. Review our detailed introduction documents: Impact Map - a single page which overviews our activities, outputs and outcomes. Statistics Snapshot Introduction to our Services and Community Needs Testimonies and Service Statistics Watch our 3-minute introductory video for potential funders...

Some people who have been infected with COVID-19 find that they have ongoing symptoms months afterwards. This chronic illness is sometimes referred to as Long COVID, Post-Acute COVID Syndrome (PACS), or Post-COVID-19 Syndrome. The symptoms of Long COVID may include: organ damage, the core symptoms of ME/CFS, (including fatigue, post-exertional malaise, brain fog) and other concerns. Long Covid and ME/CFS are both examples of a serious and debilitating condition that can follow any type of viral infections. There are some important differences that distinguish some people with Long COVID from those with ME/CFS. However, some people who have Long COVID can also be diagnosed with post-COVID ME/CFS. To explore this topic further in-depth we suggest the article published in Frontiers in Medicine in 2023, titled 'ME/CFS and Long COVID share similar symptoms and biological abnormalities: road map to the literature'. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2023.1187163/full ME/CFS and Long COVID All services provided by MECFS Canterbury are available to people with Long Covid who are experiencing ME/CFS-like symptoms. Our Registered Nurse Service can partner with other health providers who are supporting people living with Long Covid. How we help PREVIOUS PAGE

When considering what supplements and treatments might be beneficial, we can refer to expert ME/CFS clinicians around the world and anecdotal evidence from the ME/CFS community, along with what published research there is. But care must be taken to always consider the individual, the risk of harm, and to approach any new treatment safely. We offer some guidelines for this. Supplements and Treatments In a perfect world, it would be understood what each of our bodies need to enable improvement and recovery. In this future world, there will be duplicated, published peer-reviewed clinical trials to back up any treatment recommendations that might be made. There would also be medical professionals who are knowledgeable in assessing each person's health and who have the expertise to manage symptoms and monitor treatments. We certainly aren’t there yet. Right now, when considering what supplements and treatments might be beneficial, we can refer to expert ME/CFS clinicians around the world and anecdotal evidence from the ME/CFS community, along with what published research there is. But care must be taken to always consider the individual, the risk of harm, and to approach any new treatment safely. We offer some guidelines for this below. DISCLAIMER: MECFS Canterbury does not provide recommendations for any treatments for your particular situation on this website. Any advice, either explicit or implied, is not intended to replace the qualified medical advice that is necessary for each individual. Please discuss any lifestyle and treatment changes with your doctor first. MECFS Canterbury does not accept any responsibility for any treatment undertaken by readers of any content or for any error or omission in connection with an article or content published on this website. What Lived Experience Tells Us From decades of people with ME/CFS and their doctors sharing what may help, we can make these points: Pacing our activity and energy expenditure, and including rest periods in each day, seems to be the best treatment protocol to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Managing stress and calming the parasympathetic system through relaxation therapies often helps. People often report a supplement may be helpful for a period of time, but then it loses its impact. That initial period of respite may still be of high value. Stopping and then starting again may restart effectiveness. Supplements and therapies can cost a lot – at a time when we are likely to have limited financial resources. Given many treatments do not have evidence to support their use, will not work for every individual, or not for long, it can be difficult justifying investing in them. Purchasing a mobility aid or hiring a cleaner to help pacing, may achieve more. It is likely that there are subtypes of ME/CFS, and these may require different treatment pathways. People are often diagnosed with ME/CFS when a differential diagnosis or comorbid condition should have been identified. e.g. EDS, MS. The Risk of Harm Some supplements, treatments and therapies can DO HARM: While “natural” medicines and conventional pharmaceuticals can be helpful, they can also be contraindicated or dangerous if you have other diagnoses or are on other medication. Examples: Did you know that anecdotally, even basic supplements like magnesium, vitamin D and C can have negative health effects? Did you know that an estimated 1 in 250 people in NZ are at risk of developing hereditary haemochromatosis (toxic iron overload) so should never take iron supplements? People with ME/CFS can be very sensitive to supplements and vitamins, so their response cannot be assumed or judged from the experience of others with ME/CFS, or the general public. Fillers in supplements (as an example, mag stearate) can affect people with ME/CFS badly. Stimulants may seem an intuitive choice, but they frequently backfire in ME/CFS, leading to a very brief boost followed by a crash. Some Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) therapies encourage people to exceed their energy envelope and risk pushing people with ME/CFS into a more severe symptom level. Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) is contraindicated, and is harmful when exercise is increased and triggers PEM.. Guidelines for Introducing Something New We recommend that you consult with your GP before starting new treatments. Add only one supplement change at a time, so that it is easier to verify what is helping or not. Start supplements on extremely low doses, because many people with ME/CFS are hypersensitive. Stop supplements/treatment if any negative reactions/symptoms are experienced (please check with your GP if this needs to be done gradually) Monitor the use of supplements extremely carefully. Keep a journal prior to starting – it is so easy to miss or over-inflate impacts. Trial for 2 – 3 months. If unsure whether it is helping, stop for a period (in a way that is safe to do) and monitor any changes. Start Low. Go Slow. Keep a record. Potential Supplements and Medications This is a list of potential supplements that some ME/CFS patients can tolerate and have sometimes found helpful. Unfortunately, this does not mean they will be good or helpful for you. PLEASE talk to your doctor and refer to the risks and approach guidelines above before trailing. Vitamin D - for those housebound and don’t get enough sun, preferably after a vitamin D test. Magnesium malate - in evening for insomnia, but some forms can disturb sleep and bowels. Lypospheric Vitamin C or the cheaper standard Vitamin C - for immune support. Vitamin B12 and B multi - for brain fog and fatigue (supplements are considered less effective than injections). Refer to our B12 information leaflet . Electrolytes – for those with Orthostatic Intolerance symptoms. Extra salt can be a good alternative, unless you have high blood pressure. Your GP can prescribe Electral. Gut health tonic - for digestive issues. Iron - only when deficiency has been confirmed by a blood test. Co-Q10 - some people have found this effective for mitochondrial support. NAC (N-acetylecysteine) – enhances mitochondrial support. Antihistamines – particularly if signs of MCAS, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Melatonin slow release – for sleep support. Horopito therapeutics - for systemic Candida. Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) – evidence for pain support, emerging evidence for fatigue support. Used 'off-label' in New Zealand. Refer to our LDN leaflet . Evening primrose oil - may be helpful in relieving joint pain. Mestinon (pyridostigmine bromide) - emerging evidence for supporting aerobic capacity, fatigue, muscle strength and mental clarity. Used 'off-label' in New Zealand. Refer to our Mestinon leaflet . Refer to our further reading list for more information about these recommendations. Potential Therapies This is a list of potential therapies that some ME/CFS patients have found helpful. Unfortunately, this does not mean they will be good or helpful for you. PLEASE talk to your health team and refer to the risks and safe approaches suggested in our guidelines above before trailing. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS ) - calming the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), the fight /flight response in the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). Breathing Techniques such as 4-7-8 breath - for calming your ANS. Also see our Mental Wellbeing section for relaxation therapies. Further Reading Clinical Care Guide from Bateman Horne Centre, USA, a 98 page document published 2025. Clinical Primer from IACFSME (International [Clinician] Association for CFS/ME), 2014. Particularly Section 5 Management and Treatment. List (crowd-sourced) of supplements & considerations for pwME including what research exists https://me-pedia.org/wiki/MEpedia:Contents#Herbs.2C_supplements_and_nutraceuticals Statement from M.E. Awareness NZ on alternative medicine and therapy programmes https://m.e.awareness.nz/position-statements Advice from ME Association UK, who are strongly evidence-based. They provide general guidance and leaflets covering various supplements, therapies and medications https://meassociation.org.uk/free-literature-downloads/ There are supplement recommendations in Dr Sarah Myhill’s book about ME, “It’s Mitochondria not hypochondria” (we have a copy in our library). Again, no researched evidence on these, just anecdotal evidence. Visit our Links page for more information.

Over time, you will discover ways that work for you to save your energy and help to make your everyday activities more manageable. It can be really useful to hear from others what they to do make things simpler and to reduce symptom flares. Lifehacks and Tips Over time, you will discover ways that work for you to save your energy and help to make your everyday activities more manageable. It can be really useful to hear from others what they to do make things simpler and to reduce symptom flares. Anna-Maria's Lifehacks Anna-Maria Covich has collated a range of life hacks learnt from managing (and often failing to manage) her ME/CFS over many years. We invite you to watch the recording of her presentation on her tips and tricks and why she finds them helpful. Whether you are newly diagnosed with ME/CFS or have some experience living with ME/CFS, you are likely to find some new ideas for saving energy and managing symptoms from this session. View the presentation on YouTube or review the pdf of the slide deck . We also have printed booklets of the slide deck - feel free to order a copy from our library. To discuss this topic further, come along to one of our meetings or connect with others online. Other Resources Library of articles on www.cfsselfhelp.org/library from the ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia Self-Help Program, a non-profit organisation founded by Bruce Campbell, PhD, a recovered CFS patient. The ME/CFS Crash Survival Guide from Bateman Horne Centre, USA. Advice from ME Association UK, who are strongly evidence-based. They provide general guidance and leaflets covering a wide range of topics meassociation.org.uk/free-literature-downloads/ Visit our Links page for more information.

Ways to Help The generosity of the wider community enables MECFS Canterbury to provide our services. We welcome all sorts of contributions whether it be specific expertise, practical help, or donations of money and goods. We currently do not receive any income from government health funds. We are grateful for your interest in our organisation and assure you that any contribution makes an important impact. Help a friend with ME/CFS READ MORE Volunteer READ MORE Donate READ MORE Support our Impact READ MORE Fundraise READ MORE Buy from us READ MORE Support business in our community READ MORE Bequest READ MORE Sponsorship READ MORE

Meet our Team Governance Board Rose Camp Chairperson Rose joined the MECFS Canterbury committee in 2019, with a focus on improving how people with ME/CFS are treated by the health system. Both Rose and a family member have ME/CFS, and she is currently unable to work consistent regular hours because of it. Rose has a background in software development (as a tester), and in charity administration. Greta Bond Secretary Greta joined our Board in September 2025, and brings experience as CEO of Aged Concern Canterbury and a previous project specialist role with the Canterbury District Health Board. She became Secretary of the Board in February 2026. Siju Thomas Treasurer Siju kindly joined our committee in February 2024, to help us monitor our cashflow and grants pipeline, and to participate in governance discussions. Siju brings experience in financial management overseas and is a semi-qualified Chartered Accountant. Karen Lawton Karen joined the MECFS Canterbury committee in February 2022, as a consequence of having a family member who lives with ME/CFS and its impacts. Karen has experience in writing applications for government funding for companies, in sponsorship and funding for various regional and national photographic events, and as registrar for the NZ Acupuncture Standards Authority. Her main focus for our organisation is to ensure that the organisation attracts grants to sustain and grow the support needed by our local ME/CFS community. Tom Harris Tom joined MECFS Canterbury and the Committee in April 2022. He has had CFS on and off for about 8 years. Tom trained as a psychology researcher, is an experienced muscian, and runs an AI Education company. He is an avid follower of new ME/CFS research (which he blogs about) and contributes to the quality of our written material and awareness raising activities. Ruth Keating Ruth joined our Board in January 2025, and brings experience as a lawyer working in NZ, London and Melbourne in both large firms and most recently in house as a General Manager. Ruth has a rare auto immune condition and has lived experience with Chronic Fatigue, and has had to stop working. Since 2022 she has been solely focusing on furthering her Governance career in Not for Profit entities. She is a Chartered Member of the NZ Institute of Directors. Sarah Bennett Sarah joined the MECFS Canterbury Board in 2026. She has extensive leadership experience across health and public-service settings, with particular experience in service improvement, organisational change and staff development. Through people close to her who live with ME/CFS and Long COVID, Sarah has seen the significant impact these illnesses can have on individuals and whānau. She is committed to supporting effective advocacy, greater understanding and sustainable services for the ME/CFS community. Roslyn Kerr Roslyn joined our Board in 2026. She has many years of governance experience, mainly in sport and the environment. Her day job involves supporting environmental groups in the Parks Unit at Christchurch City Council. She is keen to support the board with sponsorship and grant writing. Roslyn has had several people in her life who have been heavily affected by ME/CFS. Geraldine Henderson Geraldine joined the Board in July 2026. She has qualifications in microbiology, economics and public health and currently works for Health New Zealand managing two national clinical networks. In late 2025, Geraldine returned to Christchurch from London where she worked as an NHS commissioner for long covid services in North Central London. Advisors Jan Barber, Board Advisor Jan is a Clinical Pharmacist by training but since 1997 worked in various roles in the New Zealand health system, including the Health Funding Authority, General Practice Organisations and Regional District Health Board organisations. From 2011 until May 2017, she was employed by the five South Island DHBs as the General Manager of the South Island Alliance Programme Office (SIAPO). Jan also has a history of governance experience for netball charities. Jan joined our committee in Feb 2021 and made significant contributions around strategy, governance processes and recruitment. In January 2025 she resigned from our Board, but continues to provide valuable support. Richard Everts, Medical Advisor Dr Richard Everts is a hospital and community Infectious Disease Specialist and Medical Microbiologist based in Nelson who has maintained an active clinical interest in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for 30 years. In 2025, Richard retired from seeing ME/CFS patients. In 2026, he kindly accepted the opportunity to put his experience and knowledge to use as a Medical Advisor for MECFS Canterbury. The main goal of this role is to provide senior clinical support and encouragement for our nurses, alongside reviewing our handouts and material and supporting funding applications and education activities. Please note that Dr Everts is not available for individual client appointments. Operations Staff Rose Acting Manager Rose has stepped in as Acting Manager until we have worked secured funding for a part time Manager. Rose has responsibility for developing appropriate services, building our team of employees and volunteers, and networking with other service providers. Amanda Registered Nurse Lead Amanda joined our team in January 2023 in a part-time Registered Nurse role. In May 2026, she stepped into a new Lead position to provide senior guidance and management of our Registered Nurse Servce. Amanda continues to work one-on-one with clients alongside this role. Wendy Registered Nurse Wendy joined our team in March 2024 in a part-time role. She has a community nursing background and spent most of her working life in South Auckland. She has personal experience of ME/CFS having a close family member who lives with it. Dominique Registered Nurse Dominique joined our nursing team in June 2026 in a part-time role. She brings experience in both hospital and community settings, and of ME/CFS and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Florence Work and Income Advocate Florence joined us in 2026 as a Work and Income Advocate. Florence supports people to explore their eligibility for the financial benefits and allowances available from Work and Income and to apply for and maintain these. Mell Office Administrator Mell joined us as volunteer Office Administrator in April 2025 to support our team. Mell became a part-time employee in October 2025. She responds to email and phone queries, looks after our library, helps prepare documentation, plus a wide range of other tasks. Angela Local Facilitator - South Anglea started with us in 2025 to facilitate our meetings in Timaru. She is a Social Worker and mindfulness facilitator. In 2026, she became part of our core team and now has a wider role to connect our members to each other and to local services that provide social, emotional and practical support. Hannah Accounts Administrator Hannah joined us in May 2021 to be our part time volunteer Office Administrator, later moving to an employed capacity. In January 2023, she changed focus to the Accounts Administrator role and now looks after our day-to-day financial accounts. She manages these tasks while living with ME/CFS and POTS. Tamara Social Media Coordinator Tamara joined us in this volunteer role in December 2024. Tamara posts content on our social media channels to raise awareness of ME/CFS, our services and guidance for living with ME/CFS and related conditions. Desiree North Canterbury Support Desiree has been a volunteer with us since March 2024 in a Client Outreach and Support role. She helps connect people in our ME/CFS community with others and the wider community. She also provides assistance for working through a next step, developing a special interest, or just catching up with a friendly call. Desiree also helps facilitate our group meetings in Rangiora.. Jordan Christchurch Support Jordan began volunteering with us in the Client Outreach and Supports role for Christchurch in July 2025. She has a BSci in Genetics and is currenlty doing a Masters in Nursing. Jordan is available to provide assistance for working through a next step, developing a special interest, or just catching up with a friendly call or visit. Rissa South Canterbury Support Rissa has provided advice around Work and Income benefits and allowances on a volunteer part time basis for us since February 2022. In the end of 2023, she moved to Waimate and is providing local one-on-one support and assisting with our meetings in Timaru for people with ME/CFS. Vacant Mid Canterbury Support We are looking for a volunteer to be our Client Outreach and Support in Mid Canterbury. This position helps connect people in our ME/CFS community with others and the wider community. The volunteer also provides assistance for working through a next step, developing a special interest, or just catching up with a friendly call or visit. They may also help facilitate our group meetings in the area e.g. in Ashburton. Vacant West Coast Support We are looking for volunteers to be our Client Outreach and Supports on the West Coast. This position helps connect people in our ME/CFS community with others and the wider community. The volunteer also provides assistance for working through a next step, developing a special interest, or just catching up with a friendly call or visit. They may also help facilitate our group meetings in the area. e.g. Westport, Greymouth, Hokitika, Reefton. Vacant Volunteer Coordinator We are currently recruiting for a Coordinator for our Volunteer Outreach Service. This is an important role and involves onboarding volunteers and matching these to clients who need practical or friendly support. Vacant Sponsorship Lead We are currently recruiting for a part time volunteer Sponsorship Lead. This role includes developing sponsorship opportunities and building relationships with companies who may be in a position to support our services for our chronically ill community. Andy Video Editor Andy joined us in November 2024 as a volunteer. He edits the recordings from our educational sessions so that we can share these on our YouTube channel. Jill Afternoon Tea Host Jill joined us in April 2022 as a volunteer. She home bakes delicious gluten free and dairy free treats for our afternoon teas at our group meetings. Stéphanie Seller of Donated Goods Stéphanie joined us in December 2022 as a volunteer to sell items that are donated to us on Trade Me. She manages the listings and sales interactions, and helps us increase our income. Volunteers We have a remarkable team of volunteers who contribute to our organisation or support people one-on-one. Some help with one-off projects and others help on a regular basis. Their support makes a real difference to the lives of the people in our ME/CFS community. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING

Feeling creative and got some extra spoons? Turn them into something that speaks for our community with our Crash Wear Design Competition. We’re looking for ME/CFS or Long Covid themed designs for our Crash Wear merch, something that captures the lived experience of ME/CFS and Long Covid. < Back The 2026 Crash Wear Design Competition 11 Apr 2026 Feeling creative and got some extra spoons? Turn them into something that speaks for our community with our Crash Wear Design Competition. We’re looking for ME/CFS or Long Covid themed designs for our Crash Wear merch, something that captures the lived experience of ME/CFS and Long Covid. Three winning designs will be featured on ME/CFS Canterbury “Crash wear” merchandise and the winners will receive one crash wear item of their choosing featuring their design. Entries close Saturday, 31st May 2026, and winners will be announced on Friday 12th June 2026. Check out the current Crash Wear range at https://mecfscanterbury.digitees.co.nz Conditions of Entry Eligibility: Entry is open to members, caregivers, and family/whānau of people living with ME/CFS or Long COVID in the Canterbury and West Coast regions. Entry Period: Entries open upon announcement and close at 11:59pm, 31 May 2026 (NZST) Number of Entries: You may submit as many designs as your energy allows, no pressure to overdo it. Original Work: All submissions must be the entrant’s original work and must not infringe on any copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights. Design Requirements: Designs should reflect themes relevant to ME/CFS and/or Long COVID. Artwork must be suitable for printing on merchandise e.g. clothing, accessories. Colours do not need to be limited to the existing colour palette of our Crash Wear (blue and white). Final files may be requested in a high-resolution format if shortlisted. We will also accept draft entries from people who have a good idea but not the skills or tools to create high quality art. If your design is the winner, we can arrange for the artwork to be done. Use of Entries: ME/CFS Canterbury may display submitted designs (with credit) on social media for promotional purposes related to the competition, unless the entrant requests otherwise. Selection of Winners: Entries will be reviewed and three winning designs selected by a panel of ME/CFS Canterbury staff, volunteers, and members. W inners will be announced on Friday 12th June 2026 on https://www.mecfscanterbury.nz/news-1 and by email. Prize: The three winning designs will be featured on ME/CFS Canterbury “Crash wear” merchandise and the winners will receive one crash wear item of their choosing featuring their design. The item of clothing or accessory can be selected from the range available from Digitees. View the selection at https://www.digitees.co.nz/create. Artist Credit & Rights: Artists will be credited wherever reasonably possible. If your design is selected as a winner, the rights to the design are transferred to ME/CFS Canterbury for use in promotional, fundraising, and merchandising purposes. Content Guidelines: Designs must not include offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate material. ME/CFS Canterbury reserves the right to exclude any entry that does not align with its values. Changes & Decisions: ME/CFS Canterbury reserves the right to amend these conditions or cancel the competition if necessary. All decisions are final, and no correspondence will be entered into. Submit Your Entry Submit here Feel free to email us on info@mecfscanterbury.nz if you have any questions. Previous Next

Registered Nurse Service Our Registered Nurses provide a range of clinical supports for our members and their whanau. A Nurse can also talk to your health team, education provider and workplace, to improve understanding and to discuss care and accommodations. The Registered Nurse Service is free and is delivered through home visits, zoom consultations, and other interactions to people of all ages. An initial assessment involves discussing your previous medical history, your current situation and what ongoing supports you may need. Areas of support may include: Clinical support for symptom management and obtaining a diagnosis. Short term loan of a wearable activity tracker, to help monitor the impact of your activity on your symptoms, and to assist you to pace within your energy envelope. Advocacy with GP’s, Physicians, allied health, employers, education providers, whānau and others. Management plans for students attending the Southern Regional Health School. (SRHS is a state school for children in Years 1 to 13 who are unwell.) Referrals to allied health and other external supportive services (including CDHB Occupational Therapy, CDHB LTS-CHC (Long Term Support – Chronic Health Conditions), Pegasus Health PCW (Partnership Community Workers), Comcare – Peer Support, Total Mobility Card) Applications for the Hāpai Access Card which give people with disabilities better access and support from retailers and public areas. Due to funding constraints, our Registered Nurse Service is only available to people who have or suspect they have ME/CFS or Long Covid in the Canterbury and West Coast regions. The exception to this is for young people from throughout the South Island who attend the Southern Regional Health School. Please note that there is currently a waiting list for our Registered Nurse Service and you may need to wait for several months before receiving first contact from a nurse. We apologise for this and assure you that we are working hard to increase the funding for our services. To access this service: To refer yourself to the Registered Nurse Service, sign up as a member and note on the form what help would be beneficial, and one of our team will be in touch. Existing members can email us to request a referral to the Registered Nurse Service. FILL OUT OUR MEMBERSHIP FORM OR ASK YOUR GP TO FILL OUT THE REFERRAL FORM Our Registered Nurse team is also available to provide general information about ME/CFS to medical professionals and community-based service providers.

Online Community We invite people affected by ME/CFS and Long COVID throughout the South Island to join our peer support group on Facebook to share information and experiences, and to support each other. We welcome both formal members of MECFS Canterbury and non-members to join the community there. You will be asked several questions prior to joining, including your commitment to adhering to our Rules for the Facebook Group – we want to provide a safe place for everyone in our regional ME/CFS community. We also host a Facebook group for those who live on the West Coast, to help facilitate local connections, information sharing, and social catchups. JOIN THE SOUTH ISLAND ONLINE COMMUNITY JOIN THE WEST COAST ONLINE COMMUNITY

Our Organisation MECFS Canterbury was originally established in 1985 as a society under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908. The society's goals were to support and assist people with ME/CFS in the management of this debilitating illness and with the aim of improving their quality of life. In 2024, our organisation moved to a Charitable Trust model. The society, M.E. /CFS Group (Canterbury) Inc, was wound up and all services, staff and assets were transferred to ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast Charitable Trust. We continue to be registered as a charity under number CC32072. We currently trade under the names MECFS Canterbury and ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast. We have grown over the years to become a professional community health and clinical service organisation, providing a range of services and supports for our community. Visit the How we help page to find out more. We serve people in the Canterbury - Waitaha and West Coast - Te Tai Poutini regions in the South Island - Te Waipounamu of Aotearoa New Zealand. These regions include thirteen District Councils. We also support students at the Southern Regional Health School, who may live in any region of the South Island. Our Strategic Plan For 2023-2028 Determine the cooperation opportunities and geographic range of our organisation Enhance the strength of our governance and organisational framework Reach, support and retain more clients and members Support our supporters: health professionals, funders, volunteers, and others Presentations to our AGMs Our Annual General Meetings are held in November of each year. These meetings provide us with an opportunity to share an overview of our service delivery and finances for the year, and to look towards the year ahead. We invite you to watch the videos of our presentation slides from past AGMs. Annual Performance Statements Our audited Financial and Service Statements provide a detailed view of our finances, outputs and activities. If this is your thing, here they are. 2025 STATEMENTS 2024 STATEMENTS 2023 STATEMENTS 2022 STATEMENTS 2021 STATEMENTS