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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. With Nicola Stokes, our Manager, Rose forms a part time Leadership Team to manage our organisation and services. Nicola McDowell Secretary We have had the privilege of having Nicola on our committee since November 2021. Nicola brings the lived experience to our discussions and written material, as she has had ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia since 2003. Her health has significantly interrupted her professional career as a biologist, teacher, and librarian, but she has enjoyed volunteering and contributing to a variety or community organisations over the years. 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 funding to sustain and grow the support that is available to 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 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. Greta Bond 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. 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. Medical Advisor Watch this space. Operations Staff Rose Acting Manager Rose has stepped in as Acting Manager until we have worked through our recruitment process for a new 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 Amanda joined our team in January 2023 in a part-time role. She brings experience in community nursing, where she supported people with palliative care, wound care, and chronic health conditions. 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. Beth Intern Psychologist Beth is a registered Intern Health Psychologist working with us for 2025. She is an experienced mental health and trauma therapist and has a strong foundational knowledge of ME/CFS and Long Covid. Health Psychologists seek to help people cope with the emotional and psychological impacts of adjusting to living with chronic physical health problems, and to foster hope for the future. Rose-elle Work and Income Advocate Rose-elle is a social work student and joined our volunteer Outreach team in 2022. She moved into a part time Work and Income Advocacy role for us in 2023. 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. 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. 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 support and facilitating gatherings 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. 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. 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. 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. Louis Content Coordinator Louis started volunteering with us in November 2025 as our Communications and Content Coordinator. He prepares our bi-monthly newsletter and updates the content on our website. Louis has a B.A. in English and Philosophy, and has a family member living with ME/CFS. 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

Resources and Links Take your time going through this information list. Just read or visit the content that is of interest to you. We only share the best clinically accepted and verified guidelines and information for ME/CFS and Long Covid. Be aware that a lot of content online or in books is not evidence-based, and that more research is needed to fully understand the causes and best treatments for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. What helps one person, will not necessarily help someone else. Please refer to our ‘Living with ME/CFS ’ content for practical advice on pacing and supports that may make a difference to your wellbeing and quality of life. Click on the section headings below to expand and view the related links. For Health Professionals Refer to your HealthPathways for regional clinical advice for ME/CFS. The excellent 96 page 'Clinical Care Guide: Managing ME/CFS, Long COVID, & IACCs' from Bateman Horne Centre , USA, who are leading international ME/CFS clinicians. NICE in the UK published updated guidelines for ME/CFS in 2021. CDC in the USA maintains advice and handouts about ME/CFS. Mayo Clinic in the USA have also published guidance for ME/CFS – Consensus Recommendations and Concise Review for Clinicians . Dialogues for a neglected illness project (UK) has produced a series of 15 minute videos covering different aspects of ME/CFS including Post-Exertional Malaise and the issues involved that have lead to poor care and insufficient research. M.E. Awareness NZ has curated a list of information and resources for health professionals, including Continuing Medical Education that is endorsed by RNZCGP. For Patients and Whānau Subscribe to our channel! Te Whatu Ora has provided online information about ME/CFS on HealthInfo. TAKE ME THERE The ‘What is ME/CFS? ’ video from the Bateman Horne Center (ME/CFS specialist centre), USA, is under 6 minutes long and provides a basic introduction into the IOM 2015 diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS. It is intended as education for medical providers but is also a good introduction for patients and the public. M.E. Awareness NZ has curated a list of resources for people affected by ME/CFS TAKE ME THERE Join ANZMES , the national advisory and support organisation for ME/CFS in New Zealand, to support their advocacy efforts. TAKE ME THERE The Unrest film tells the story of Jennifer Brea and others and what ME/CFS looks like behind the scenes. It also includes a history of the disease including contributions from Dr Nancy Klimas and Dr Ron Davis. Our Youtube channel has a range of recorded presentations on a variety of topics from past education meetings. E.g. Gut Health, Orthostatic Intolerance. TAKE ME THERE For Long COVID The Long Covid Support Tool , published by ME Support – NZ, is an excellent series of videos and resources. Useful for people with ME/CFS as well. TAKE ME THERE Long Covid Support Aotearoa provides information and community. TAKE ME THERE Self-guided online courses for Long COVID recovery developed by physiotherapists at Breathability, New Zealand. TAKE ME THERE Information from the Long Covid Physio , an international association. TAKE ME THERE 'What is Long COVID? (and ME/CFS?)' from the ME Association UK. TAKE ME THERE For Parents Join the private Facebook group NZ Carers for Young People with ME and related illnesses TAKE ME THERE Listening to Families , who are based in Christchurch, have produced a series of short videos designed to support and answer questions for families exploring a diagnosis of ME/CFS and management for their child or teenager. 80 minutes in total, with 19 videos from 1 to 8 minutes long, covering a range of relevant topics. TAKE ME THERE For Young People ME Support, based in Auckland, facilitate a free online Discord community for teens living with ME/CFS. Our nurses can refer you. Connecting online with others ME/CFS is a chronic complex condition that makes daily life difficult and causes social isolation. Online peer support groups can be helpful for people with ME/CFS as they can connect people who share similar experiences. People can come together online to socialise, share information and offer support to one another. It is okay to take a break from them as well, and shift our focus to other things. New Zealand based online forums: Join our online peer support community in a private Facebook group for people affected by ME/CFS or related illness who live in Canterbury or the West Coast of New Zealand (or elsewhere in the South Island). Join the friendly Canterbury Fibromyalgia and CFS/ME Group to connect and find out about informal local social catchups. Join the national online community facilitated by ME Support – NZ, who are based in Auckland. Other groups you may wish to check out: NZ M.E/CFS Catch ups for a holistic approach; For parents, join NZCare4ME for carers of young people with ME/CFS and other similar chronic illnesses (such as POTS, MCAD, EDS, and Fibromyalgia). For young people, join a Facebook community for NZ Teens/Early 20's with ME/CFS and Related Illnesses, or CFS / Fibro: Young Adults Group for people aged 18 to 35 (not very active at present). For young people (aged 12-20) living with any illness or disability in NZ and Australia, and their siblings, the Livewire community provides safe social connection and positive distraction. If you are severely unwell with ME/CFS, join the NZ Severe Facebook community. For long COVID, join the Long Covid Support Aotearoa and Long Covid Kids New Zealand Facebook communities. For fibromyalgia, join Fibromyalgia NZ Support and the Fibromyalgia & CFS NZ Support Facebook communities. For Ehlers-Dahlos Syndrome, join the national Loosely speaking - Ehlers Danlos NZ support group, the South Island support hub , or other affinity support groups . For Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, join Mast Cell NZ . International online forums: Phoenix Rising is the largest and oldest international online forum for complex chronic illnesses such as ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, long COVID, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and allied diseases. It uses XenForo community platform, rather than Facebook. Science for ME focuses on scientific discussion but is also a useful place for support and advocacy. There are public and member-only areas within the forum. It uses the XenForo community platform, rather than Facebook. #MEAction, a global movement fighting for recognition, education and research for people with ME/CFS, has several international affinity groups on Facebook for people, such as pregnancy and parenting, seniors, and caregivers. For teens and young adults up to mid 20's, check out the Teens with ME/CFS and Related Illnesses, and Teens With Chronic Illnesses Facebook communities. If you have severe ME/CFS, join the international online support group. For parents of young people with ME/CFS, join the large Parents of Kids & Teens with ME/CFS and Related Illnesses Facebook community. For parents of adults with ME/CFS, join Parents of adult children with ME/CFS Facebook community. For long COVID, join COVID-19 Long Haulers Support Facebook community, and search for others.

Management approaches for ME/CFS include identifying the most problematic symptom first and exploring options for improvements, along with implementing pacing and activity management.​ We have collated some information for you. Managing Specific Symptoms We aim to collate information here to help you manage your ME/CFS and the specific symptoms that may be present, particularly as our team deliver presentations on these topics. 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. Overview of ME/CFS and its Management We invite you to watch our presentation about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and its Management on our YouTube channel. This presentation covers: What we know about ME/CFS The diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS Impacts and severity spectrum Key management principles and approaches How to make a meaningful life Management approaches include identifying the most problematic symptom first and exploring options for improvements, along with implementing pacing and activity management. There is also a pdf of the slide deck available. Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) Orthostatic Inolerance (OI) is an umbrella term for several conditions in which symptoms are worsened by assuming and maintaining an upright posture. When someone with OI stands up or sits for too long, they may experience symptoms such as light-headedness, dizziness, spatial disorientation, feeling faint, sweating, headaches, nausea and palpitations. Many symptoms improve with lying down, although some take hours or days to resolve. People with ME/CFS may have low OI, or meet the criteria for the more severe Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) or Neurally Mediated Hypotension (NMH). Diagnosis involves ruling out other causes, a Tilt Table or NASA Lean test, and assessments such as Hours of Upright Activity (HUA). OI symptoms is one of the most treatable symptoms associated with ME/CFS and it is usually possible to increase functional capacity through the following management approaches: Increase blood volume by drinking water and consuming more sodium (if safe for you to do so). Provide mechanical support by using compression garments and postural counter manoeuvres (movement that moves the blood up the legs to the heart). Make lifestyle adjustments such as avoiding overheating, alcohol, large meals. Introduce movement or gentle exercise done in a lying down or recumbent position first. We invite you to watch our talk about Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) and its Management on our YouTube channel. A pdf of the slide deck is also available. Further Reading Clinical Care Guide from Bateman Horne Centre, USA, a 98 page document published 2025. This covers the basics and common co-morbidities. Clinical Primer from IACFSME (International [Clinician] Association for CFS/ME), 2014. Particularly Section 5 Management and Treatment. 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/ Visit our Links page for more information.

Our Health Partners Since 2019, we have met regularly with managers at Te Whatu Ora (formerly CDHB, Canterbury District Health Board) to raise awareness of ME/CFS, discuss our services, develop educational opportunities for health professionals, and ensure that people with ME/CFS have access to standard services from the health sector when entry criteria is met. We have worked with the clinical editors of the HealthPathways, Allied Healthways and HealthInfo websites during this time to provide evidence-based information for medical professionals, allied health professionals and the public. As a result of our education programme and partnership with Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha (Health New Zealand - Canterbury), we have observed that more General Practitioners are comfortable assessing, diagnosing, and supporting people with ME/CFS. HealthPathways HealthPathways is a website that offers clinicians locally agreed information to make the right decisions together with patients, at the point of care. The guidance for ME/CFS is based on the IOM 2015 diagnostic criteria promoted by the CDC. Let your GP know that there is clinical guidance for ME/CFS on Health Pathways or give them a copy of our letter about it. HealthInfo HealthInfo is a health information website for the general public in parts of the South Island. The website has a mix of health information, including factsheets on different topics and descriptions of local health services and support organisations. It also has links to recommended websites for further reading and research. The information about ME/CFS on HealthInfo can be found here . Allied Healthways The Allied Healthways website provides guidance for allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, pharmacists and psychologists. Pathways provide clear and concise guidance for assessing and managing a patient with a particular symptom or condition. Information about ME/CFS is included in the PhysioFITT programme and Chronic Fatigue topics. Our Funding Partners What we do is only made possible by the community trusts, gaming trusts, government agencies and individuals who have contributed financially over recent years to the operation of MECFS Canterbury. Please accept our gratitude for helping us to make a difference for our local ME/CFS community. Air Rescue Community Services COGS - Community Organisation Grants - Christchurch The Jansen Trust Mainland Foundation Rano Community Trust The Trust Community Foundation Aotearoa Gaming Trust COGS - Community Organisation Grants - West Coast Kiwi Gaming Foundation NZ Community Trust Rata Foundation Trillian Trust Christchurch Casino David Ellison Charitable Trust The Lion Foundation One Foundation Riccarton Rotary Trust Aoraki Christchurch City Council - Strengthening Commuunities Grant Grassroots Trust Lotteries Community Canterbury Pub Charity Roy Owen Dixey Trust West Coast Community Trust And individuals who support us with private donations Our Business Partners We are grateful to the companies who support us with discounted software or services.

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.

The Bateman Horne Centre based in Utah, USA, is one of the leading ME/CFS clinical education organisations in the world. In May they released an excellent 96 page ‘Clinical Care Guide: Managing ME/CFS, Long COVID...' < Back BHC publishes Clinical Care Guide 6 May 2025 The Bateman Horne Centre based in Utah, USA, is one of the leading ME/CFS clinical education organisations in the world. In May they released an excellent 96 page ‘Clinical Care Guide: Managing ME/CFS, Long COVID...' The Bateman Horne Centre based in Utah, USA, is one of the leading ME/CFS clinical education organisations in the world. In May they released an excellent 96 page ‘Clinical Care Guide: Managing ME/CFS, Long COVID… You can view the guide online, https://batemanhornecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Clinical-Care-Guide-First-Edition-2025-1.pdf or subscribe to receive notification of updates. https://batemanhornecenter.org/clinical_roadmap/ The guide describes the well-established clinical framework for ME/CFS, grounded in decades of research and patient care, for recognizing and addressing hallmark features such as post-exertional malaise (PEM), autonomic dysfunction, and multisystem impairment. By applying this blueprint and targeting the various components with structured, evidence-informed care, clinicians can deliver meaningful interventions to improve patient outcomes... This toolkit provides: ✦ A structured approach to assessment and management ✦ Guidance on key diagnostic tools and function-based assessments ✦ Condition-specific treatment strategies ✦ Disability and accommodation supports ✦ CME opportunities and additional educational resources Previous Next

Health NZ has acknowledged that ME/CFS is a debilitating, long-term illness in the new Health Conditions section on their website. < Back New Health Information page for ME/CFS from Health NZ 22 Sept 2025 Health NZ has acknowledged that ME/CFS is a debilitating, long-term illness in the new Health Conditions section on their website. The Health Conditions pages are intended for the public to provide introductory information about health conditions and their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Health NZ highlights the key symptoms, the diagnostic criteria in use in New Health NZ has acknowledged that ME/CFS is a debilitating, long-term illness in the new Health Conditions section on their website. For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Health NZ highlights the key symptoms, the diagnostic criteria in use in New Zealand, the need to pace your activity to avoid triggering Post Exertional Malaise, and more. You can read the information and share it with whānau from here: https://info.health.nz/conditions-treatments/brain-and-nerves/chronic-fatigue-syndrome It’s worth mentioning that GPs have access to more extensive clinical guidance for ME/CFS on Health NZ’s Health Pathways website for doctors. The Health Pathways for ME/CFS was updated and extended in February 2025, so do ask your GP if they have read the guidance for ME/CFS on Health Pathways recently. Previous Next

Join our new facebook group for people affected my ME/CFS and Long Covid living on the West Coast < Back New West Coast Peer Support Group 3 Oct 2025 Join our new facebook group for people affected my ME/CFS and Long Covid living on the West Coast In response to requests from our community on the West Coast, we have created a new Facebook group. We hope the new private group will help people living with ME/CFS and long COVID in the West Coast region to connect and support each other, as well as share information about local events and services. It will also allow us to keep you up to date with our meetings and other initiatives in your region and provides a space for people to self-organise local social catchups. Please request to join the group by visiting www.facebook.com/groups/mecfssupportgroupwestcoast Previous Next

We invite you to watch Nurse Wendy Dragt’s talk about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and its Management – recording now available on our youtube channel. < Back ME/CFS and its Management Presentation 8 May 2025 We invite you to watch Nurse Wendy Dragt’s talk about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and its Management – recording now available on our youtube channel. We invite you to watch Nurse Wendy Dragt’s talk about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and its Management – now available on our youtube channel https://youtu.be/s8MV6lisdmM This presentation covers: ✦ What we know about ME/CFS ✦ The diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS ✦ Impacts and severity spectrum ✦ Key management principles and approaches ✦ How to make a meaningful life This recording provides useful information for people with ME/CFS, their health team, and whānau. At 69 minutes long, you may need to take some breaks and watch it over a couple of sessions. Expand the description for the video on youtube to access the pdf of the slide deck and a timestamped list of the slides, plus more. ___________________________ DISCLAIMER: Please note that ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast does not recommend any treatments for any individual. Any advice, either explicit or implied, is not intended to replace qualified medical advice. We do not accept any responsibility for any treatment undertaken by readers of any articles or other content, or for any error or omission in connection with any content published on our social media. Previous Next

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. 2023 STATEMENTS - Not yet audited 2022 STATEMENTS 2021 STATEMENTS

Bequest A gift of any size in your Will, can increase quality of life for many people affected by ME/CFS and Long Covid. MECFS Canterbury recommends talking to a solicitor to write or update your Will. They will require our registered charity number to ensure your gift goes to the right place. Before getting in touch with them, you could start thinking about how you would like to give. You may want to consider giving a: Residual gift After providing for your family and loved ones, you can gift the remainder of your estate, or part of it, to MECFS Canterbury. Percentage You could divide your estate between a number of people and charitable organisations by allocating a percentage to each one. Specific gift This could be a specific sum, jewellery, real estate, shares or anything else you possess. You will also need this information: Our registered address is MECFS Canterbury, PO Box 10090, Phillipstown, Christchurch 8145. Our registered charity number is CC57086. If you would like any further information, or if you would like to talk to our Manager in confidence, please call 020 4091 9153, or email info@mecfscanterbury.nz . Please let us know of your intentions It would be very helpful for us if you let us know your intentions. Leaving a gift to us means a lot and we would like to be able to thank you for this. CONTACT US On behalf of our ME/CFS community, thank you for your consideration.

Fundraise Do you have a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion coming up? Or want to set yourself a physical challenge and participate in a running, cycling, swimming or triathlon event? Why not ask your whānau and networks to donate to MECFS Canterbury or sponsor your participation and raise some awareness at the same time? Want to host a fundraiser? Talk to us about setting up a fundraising page that links to MECFS Canterbury on sites such as Givealittle. First Name Last Name Email Message Thanks for your interest! Send Tshirts for fundraising events: If you are looking for tshirts that raise awareness of ME/CFS while you are doing your fundraising, we suggest you take a look at the range from M.E. Awareness NZ. SEE ALL M.E. AWARENESS NZ T SHIRTS