It is incredibly challenging living with a disabling chronic illness like ME/CFS as it significantly reduces our options and the quality of our life. It is natural that we would grieve the losses and find it difficult to cope with at times, especially if we are very unwell and not receiving much support. There are services and strategies that will help you to cope. Mental Wellbeing It is incredibly challenging living with a disabling chronic illness like ME/CFS as it significantly reduces our options and the quality of our life. It is natural that we would grieve the losses and find it difficult to cope with at times, especially if we are very unwell and not receiving much support. Find and develop strategies that help you cope: Schedule in activities that you enjoy or that help you feel connected to others. Stress will worsen any illness, and ME/CFS is no exception, so look for ways to minimise stressors. Allocate time for friendships with people who understand and care. Explore practices like mindfulness and self-compassion (see Strategies section below). Talk to your doctor about accessing counselling or other mental health services (see section below). Consider coming along to our in-person and online meetings , or joining our Facebook support group , to connect you with people who understand about life with chronic illness. We offer some suggestions for accessing counselling and developing strategies below. There are a range of mental health helplines and support services available in New Zealand and many of them are free. Give yourself permission to use them if you need to. The Mental Health Foundation of NZ provides a list of support options here . Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor. The Health Info website provides information about 'Getting help for a mental health issue' from Health NZ. This describes some of the mental health supports available in the South Island, including those available through your GP. To see a counsellor privately, you may be eligible for financial support to cover the fees from Work and Income, even if you are already receiving a Disability Allowance (see section below). Accessing mental wellbeing support Questions to ask a prospective therapist It is appropriate to ask a prospective service or therapist some questions before you start working with them, or during the first session. Consider asking: Ask what they understand about ME/CFS, or the chronic illnesses you have, to confirm that it matches current international guidance e.g. are they aware of the ME/CFS guidance on Health Info , from NICE (UK) or CDC (USA)? Are they familiar with the impacts of living with an invisible chronic illness which changes daily life and has no approved treatment? Describe what you are wanting support with and ask them to confirm they have relevant experience and interest in supporting you. You may have identified that you want support with issues, such as stress and uncertainty, adjustment, stigma, hopelessness, sleep problems, relationship challenges, grief and loss, identity, parenting, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Confirm what the funding arrangements are for the therapy. Confirm that the therapy can be offered in a format that meets the severity of your illness e.g. telehealth, phone, their office, your home, text. Wellbeing services through your medical centre Many General Practice clinics now have Health Improvement Practitioners (HIPs), Health Coaches and Support Workers through the Access and Choice programme . These team members are available to deliver a wide range of mental wellbeing support and tools, without long waits and often on the same day, and the services are free. Health Improvement Practitioners (HIPs) are experienced mental health clinicians who work with people of all ages and their whānau. They may have a degree in psychology, psychotherapy, mental health nursing, social work, occupational therapy or be a DAPAANZ registered counsellor. HIPs help people with any issues impacting on their health and wellbeing. Sessions are brief (15-30 minutes), normally in-person, and focus on what is important to you, today. At your first session you will get some strategies and a plan. There are no limits to how often you can see the HIP. Talk to your GP or ring your medical centre to find out the best way to get seen by a HIP who has an understanding of ME/CFS and life with chronic illness. View the Map of practices in Canterbury that have a HIP available. Other Brief Intervention Talking Therapy (BITT) options are also usually available. Ask your medical centre to refer you for free short-term support with your mental wellbeing. BITT therapists are registered mental health professionals and telehealth options may be available. Counselling by telehealth with Pūawaitanga If you are wanting to try some talk therapy, you may want to consider the short-term counselling offered via telehealth by Pūawaitanga. It is free for people over 18 who are on a Work & Income benefit or who hold a Community Services Card. If you don’t meet the criteria for free services, you can also pay to access the service. The sessions are offered through phone or video call between 9am-9pm, 7 days a week. There is no waitlist and first appointment is usually within five days. The number of sessions is flexible, depending on need. Pūawaitanga have confirmed they have counsellors who have experience offering support for long term health concerns, and that this can be requested in the referral. Self-refer through their website www.puawaitanga.nz or call 0800 782 999. Ask to be assigned with one of their trained professionals who is familiar with the impacts and grief of chronic illness. Counselling for under 25s with Gumboot Friday Gumboot Friday provides two free counselling sessions for anyone aged 25 and under who needs the support of a qualified practitioner, including counsellors, psychologists, psychotherapists, and art therapists. You can search their directory and select up to three counsellors who you’d be willing to talk to and then send them a message. Sessions can be face to face, online or by phone. “Remember, there’s no shame in asking for help – it’s just a conversation.” Counselling from Anxiety NZ Anxiety New Zealand offers a range of accessible mental health services including a low-cost online counselling service for young people (11+) and adults who are navigating mild to moderate mental health challenges. This counselling offers a safe and supportive space to explore personal challenges, build resilience, and achieve positive goals and emotional wellbeing. It's there for you if you are experiencing anxiety, grief, life transitions, or stress. (It's not limited to only supporting people experiencing anxiety.) If you are on a low-income you may be able to access the counselling for free. Appointments are available Monday to Saturday, including after hours. Are you feeling stressed or anxious now? Anxiety NZ also offers a free 24/7 helpline ... "Here for you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give us a call" on 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 438). Aoake te Rā Aoake te Rā , also known as the Bereaved by Suicide Service, is a free service that gives 6 to 10 free sessions to support individuals and whānau to navigate life after suicide loss, whether recent or a long time ago. If you have lost someone to suicide, it may be impacting your physical health as well. Experienced therapists can support you to honour the grief and to explore finding a place for it. Private Counselling and Psychologists You can find a counsellor through the directory from the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC ). You can search for counsellors in your region and what they specialise in e.g. chronic illness, chronic fatigue syndrome. Most counsellors can offer telehealth sessions. You may have to pay part or all the cost. 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. Search the NZ Psychological Society directory or use a search engine to find the websites of psychologists. Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) Some employers offer employee assistance programmes (EAP) to their employees and this may also be available to family members. An EAP is a confidential service that your employer pays for to give employees access to qualified, registered and experienced professionals. An EAP therapist can help you talk through issues affecting your wellbeing. Talk to your manager or human resources representative about whether your employer offers an EAP. Funding from Work and Income You may be eligible to apply to have the costs of ongoing mental health support covered by the Disability Allowance (DA) or the Temporary Additional Support (TAS) allowance from Work and Income. You don’t have to be on a benefit to qualify for the DA, but you and your partner cannot earn more than set income limits. The TAS has both income and asset tests and needs to be applied for every 3 months. Further Information About Services The Family Services Directory from MSD also lists a range of mental health services. Additional resources from the Mental Health Foundation of NZ include: Support for Myself is a list of resources including strategies for recovery. Accessing Mental Health Services covers finding a GP, community mental health services, how to find a therapist or professional, and finding a therapist privately, and community support groups. Developing strategies for mental wellbeing Reasons for prioritising self-care strategies Looking after our mental wellbeing often helps our symptoms to stablise and our health to improve. Low mood can sometimes be part of post-exertional malaise (PEM), so if the PEM episodes can be reduced, your mood may improve as your symptoms become more stable. Use our guidance for Activity Management to pace as well as possible given your circumstances. With ME/CFS and Long Covid, our autonomic nervous system might become dysfunctional, or dysregulated. This autonomic system includes our sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) and parasympathetic nervous system (calm/rest/digest). Your body may have trouble moving into the rest state, which can make your body feel that it is in danger or anxious. Along with our tips at the top of this page, it can be really helpful using mindfulness, breathing, gentle stretches or relaxation techniques during each day to calm down your nervous system. Self-directed Online Courses and Resources There are many courses and online resources that you can explore at your own pace. A selection of courses... Free courses and resources for New Zealanders covering anxiety, depression, and more www.justathought.co.nz/courses Free and paid content from Breathworks, including mindfulness for chronic illness www.breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk/listing/category/self-guided-courses Other resources... The NZ Health App library from Healthify , highlights apps for mental health and wellbeing, mindfulness, and more. Some apps are free, others have a cost. Search our library catalogue for books that might support your mental wellbeing. We can post books out to you at not cost. Self-Compassion Self-compassion is a vital practice that can help us to reduce stress and increase our ability to enjoy what we can in difficult circumstances. Self-compassion is treating ourselves with the same care, kindness and concern that we would give a friend, when they are in pain or difficulty. It involves exploring soothing touch and soft vocalisation which release oxytocin and endorphins and help to reduce cortisol and relieve pain. Self-compassion also involves setting appropriate boundaries to protect our property, our time, or our emotional, mental and physical well-being. Kate Brandram-Adams, from Mindfulness North Canterbury, presented a workshop for us on this topic. Watch the recording here . For more information: Dr Kristin Neff website: www.self-compassion.org/self-compassion-practices Mindfulness Mindfulness is a practice that can help us to cope with the impacts of living with a chronic illness such as ME/CFS. It may enable us to notice changes to our symptoms sooner and give us an opportunity to bring a more compassionate response, rather than pushing through. It can also be useful for taking our attention away from our symptoms and may help to calm our autonomic nervous system (ANS). Di Robertson, a mindfulness mentor, has previously led a presentation and practice session for us. Watch this on YouTube. For more information: Mindfulness on Healthify healthify.nz/hauora-wellbeing/m/mindfulness Mindfulness Apps: www.headspace.com www.insighttimer.com Mindfulness Training App: www.themindfulnessapp.com Courses: MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ) Finding Resilience Elizabeth Hamilton, a social worker and counsellor, has talked to us about finding resilience when debilitating illness brings many changes to our lives, along with loss, and grief. Being aware of our circle of control and approaches for living through and with loss and grief can make a difference. We invite you to watch the recording of Elizabeth's session on YouTube. Te Whare Tapa Whā Te Whare Tapa Whā is a wellbeing model developed by leading Māori health advocate Sir Mason Durie in 1984. The model describes health and wellbeing as a wharenui/meeting house with four walls. These walls represent taha wairua/spiritual wellbeing, taha hinengaro/mental and emotional wellbeing, taha tinana/physical wellbeing and taha whānau/family and social wellbeing. Our connection with the whenua/land forms the foundation. When all these areas are in balance, we thrive. When one or more of these is out of balance our wellbeing is impacted. Occupational Therapist Sarah Phipps led a presentation and workshop for us and highlighted some specific strategies for people with ME/CFS, including finding ways to live with loss. You can watch the presentation on our YouTube channel.

The main management approach for ME/CFS is reducing your activity to a level that can be sustained and that avoids triggering Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM). We provide some guidance on activity management and pacing here. Activity Management The main management approach for ME/CFS is reducing your activity to a level that can be sustained and that avoids triggering Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM). Post-exertional Malaise (PEM) is a core symptom of ME/CFS and it is an abnormal response to normal activity. It is a disproportionate and prolonged increase in symptoms. PEM makes us sicker and makes it harder to function and participate in our daily life. PEM can be triggered by various kinds of activity - physical, mental, emotional, orthostatic (moving to an upright position), sensory overload, multi-tasking, and physiological processes (temperature regulation, digestion). PEM often occurs hours or days after the triggering activity. Activity management is key to minimising PEM and to stabilising symptom severity. Adopt the ‘Stop, Rest, Pace.’ approach and practice pacing as your commitments allow. We provide more detailed information below. Pacing Pacing helps us avoid triggering PEM. Pacing means adjusting your life to stay within your 'Energy Envelope' as much as possible. Pacing involves: Prioritising what to spend energy on - and choosing which activities to reduce or drop altogether (this may include making life-changing decisions such as reducing employment, retiring, or dropping out of education). Changing the way chosen activities are done so they require less energy (this may include use of mobility aids). Breaking activities down into short bursts. Interspersing activity with rest (physical, cognitive & sensory rest - including rest from screens). Aiming for a balance of necessary activities and pleasurable activities. Creating (usually) safe and energy-efficient routines for regular necessary tasks (this helps reduce cognitive load). Stopping before symptoms increase and taking pre-emptive rest (some patients experience subtle cues when getting close to exceeding their Energy Envelope but many don't so they need to be proactive). Pacing sounds simple but it is not easy to put into practice, and it is individual to you. Be kind to yourself as you cope with daily demands and as you learn about your energy envelope. When exploring what you can manage, it can be useful to keep an 'activity and symptom diary' for a few weeks to see if you can identify any patterns, early warning signs and triggers which could help to reduce PEM episodes. You might find our diary template useful to do this. Wearable Biometric Devices: Some people find using a wearable activity tracker helpful for completing their activity diary, and for keeping steps or heart rate under a certain level. Although a tracker does not measure cognitive or emotional activity, it can help you recognise activities and tasks where your heart is elevated (meaning you are using more energy or under more stress). A good basic activity tracker is the Xiaomi Smart Band and we have some of these available for loan. The Polar H10 HR strap is recommended if you wish to monitor Heart Rate Variability. Further reading: To find out more about pacing, we recommend these resources from Emerge Australia : Introduction to the 'Stop.Rest.Pace ' approach. Two-page Pacing handout which provides a 4-step approach. Five-page handout on Pacing with a Heart Rate Monitor to help determine your anaerobic threshold and energy envelope. ME Support - NZ also has an eight-page Basics of Pacing handout in their Long Covid Support Tool . We also recommend these resources from M.E. Awareness NZ: An Explanation of PEM for people with ME article The Art and Science of Pacing for ME article Articles about Heart Rate Variability: One-page HRV handout from Bateman Horne Centre What is Heart Rate Variability? , Elite HRV Lifehacks for ME/CFS Visit our Lifehacks section for some tips and tricks for managing your daily activities. Practical Supports Visit our Practical Supports section for some other ideas for finding easier ways to do things, so that you can more often live within your energy envelope. Suggestions include using mobility aids and energy saving approaches. Safely exploring exercise When you live with a broken energy system, you need to a pproach exercise as ‘movement’ for your health and wellbeing, rather than ‘exercise’ to improve fitness. We have a few presentations on this topic that you may wish to watch: Safely exploring 'exercise' or movement when you have ME/CFS Rachel Sullivan, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, covers the dangers and recommendations. Analeptic restorative activity in ME/CFS Catherine George, Physiotherapist, explains how to improve functional strength and flexibility. The following organisations provide guidance for safe exercise: Physios for ME (UK-based) Workwell Foundation ( USA)

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 Up 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 Up 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 Up 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 Up 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 Up 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 Up 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. Research Updates Up Good research is incredibly important for understanding ME/CFS. It informs everyone; those with ME/CFS, and also, whānau, health professionals, and more. It is important to consider the quality of research you may be reading. Reliable research is the result of accurate and ethical scientific methods being used throughout the entire process. Questions you can ask to help determine the reliability of research can include: Who is the focus: are there any conflicts of interest; Has the research paper been peer-reviewed; Does the study give unsupported conclusions. Understand that all scientific research is biased by default, the scientists conducting them are people. Good research publications will detail design, methods, results, funding, and conflicts of interest. For further personal review on scientific evidence and research, the Science Media Centre has a useful article on scientific evidence. Be wary of reports in the media and cautious of alternative treatments. Research News and Analysis Health Rising blogs about ME/CFS, long COVID, and Fibromyalgia. These blog posts discuss key research in easy-to-understand language, and each article usually includes an overview in a gist panel. ME/CFS Science does analysis on ME/CFS research. Formerly known as ME/CFS Skeptic. Also hosts a companion website, ME/CFS Science and provides an annual review of important ME/CFS research. Science for ME is an open forum that discusses ME/CFS and most related research. They have a weekly ME News in Brief thread and share other resources and information. ME-pedia is a crowd-sourced encyclopaedia filled with research and history relating to ME/CFS. The Long Hauler Sunbeam is a monthly newsletter which discusses research, thoughts, and questions. ME Association provides updates about research both done by others and funded by the Ramsay Research Fund. They also publish a ME/CFS/PVFS Clinical & Research Guide (aka the 'Purple Book') which is available to purchase as an eBook. Simmaron Research publishes research updates on ME/CFS. Emerge Australia publishes research digests that share current ME/CFS and Long COVID research. Open Medicine Foundation based in the US, undertakes collaborative research into ME/CFS around the world. There is also a research centre in Australia . The ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia Information Exchange Forum on CO-CURE . Join the subscription list for information about ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia. They also keep an archive of all former newsletters.

There are a range of practical supports that may make a difference for you when living with a chronic illness like Look for ways to save energy or to get support with your activities of daily living. Practical Supports There are a range of practical supports that may make a difference for you when living with a chronic illness. Look for ways to save energy or to get support with your activities of daily living. We hope to grow this list over time. Please let us know if you have any suggestions of what could be included in this section. Energy Saving Devices When living with an energy limiting illness, using devices and aids that make everyday tasks easier can make a real difference. Think about the tasks that you can't do without getting sicker, or that you avoid doing, and check out if there is equipment or an aid to make this easier. Some examples of devices and aids that people tell us have made a difference: Dishwasher Robot vacuum cleaner Electric toothbrush Slow cooker Sensory aids such as earplugs, tinted glasses. Find manpower! e.g. someone to mow your lawn or do basic housework once a month. Mobility and Home Aids It is worth considering using mobility aids such as wheelchairs, canes, walkers, shower stools, to help conserve your energy. This is particularly the case if you experience orthostatic intolerance (symptoms when moving to an upright or standing position). Talk to your GP about being referred for an assessment with an Occupational Therapist, or purchase your own. We also have some equipment available to borrow. Mobility Parking Permit People with ME/CFS are often unable to walk much distance or are bed-ridden after an outing. Consider applying for a Mobility Parking Permit so that you can park in the mobility parking spaces outside shops, parks and other locations. It means you don’t have to walk so far during outings and will have more energy for the shopping or whatever you need to do. Please ask your GP or one of our nurses to complete the application form from CCS Disability Action . The cost for a 5-year permit is $50. To help you plan an outing, the Christchurch City Council has a map of where the mobility carparks are. Total Mobility Discounted Transport Scheme People with ME/CFS are entitled to discounts that give them 65% off fares with approved transport operators - up to a maximum of $40.95 per trip. You can also use the Total Mobility card to get a $1 discount on Metro bus fares too. As at June 2024, the Total Mobility scheme is available through the following participating transport operators: Greater Christchurch - Christchurch Mobility Transfers. Blue Star Taxis, Driving Miss Daisy, First Direct, Freedom Companion Driving Services NZ Ltd (ChCh North and Rolleston), Gold Band Taxis, NZ Total Care Mobility Ltd Ashburton - Ashburton Taxis Timaru - Geraldine Community Minibus Trust, Timaru Taxis, Driving Miss Daisy Waimate - Waimate Community Vehicle Trust Some operators not only provide transport but can also be booked to support you at appointments and events. We understand that the drivers from Total Care Mobility and Driving Miss Daisy can offer this companionship support. Applications can be made through Aspire Canterbury ($38 per annum) or talk with one of our nurses to apply through Aged Concern (one off $30 fee). Your GP or one of our nurses can sign the application form. For more info, see: Environment Canterbury Total Mobility Scheme . Total Mobility on Metro buses in Christchurch and Timaru. Online Grocery Shopping You might find that it is worth taking the time to get familiar with ordering groceries online so that they are delivered to your home or made ready for pickup at the supermarket. It saves a lot of energy and may help you to manage the rest of your week. For more information about the services and costs of online shopping see the up-to-date information from the stores: Woolworths - Pickup or Delivery Pak'nSave - Pickup only New World - Click and Collect or Delivery Fresh Choice - Pickup or Delivery at selected stores Hāpai Access Card This card is for the disabled community and it's aim is to provide the cardholder with empathetic customer service from businesses, cafes and attractions involved with the programme. Your card will indicate what barriers you may face when engaging with the community. For example, it may indicate that you cannot stand in a queue, so when you show your card they will invite you to the front. The card also provides discounts in some retail and council settings. The Hāpai Access Card costs $45+GST for 3 years. They also sell a branded lanyard with a strong plastic display wallet for your card for $5 + GST and shipping. You can self-refer for the card and will need to provide evidence of your needs. Our Registered Nurse Service can also complete an application for you. Waka Ora Health Shuttle The Waka Ora Health Shuttle is a koha (donation) based community service, delivered by volunteers, that transports people to health and wellbeing related appointments, and then brings them home again. The service is coordinated by Hato Hone St John. Pick up is generally from your home (or a nearby meeting point), although the service offered varies by area. In our region, the Health Shuttle operates in Aoraki, Ashburton, Christchurch, Kawatiri, Morth Canterbury and West Coast. To find out more, visit Hato Hone St John . Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard The sunflower is a globally recognised symbol for non-visible disabilities. Wearing a sunflower lanyard lets airport staff know that you may need a little extra help or understanding when travelling. Other businesses, such as ASB, recognise the lanyard. Please bear in mind that a sunflower lanyard will not get you through queues faster or provide a personal escort or wheelchair through airports. Talk to your airline about special assistance or the use of a wheelchair while at the airport. The Sunflower Lanyard Facilities at Christchurch Airport include lower sensory bathrooms, information desks, a quiet pod, and a quiet seating area. We normally have supplies of the Sunflower Lanyards provided by Christchurch Airport or you can order directly from them. MedicAlert bracelet If you have a health condition that may result in emergency care, you may wish to consider purchasing a bracelet from the MedicAlert Foundation . The bracelet is engraved with your personal medical ID and your highest risk information to assist first responders. Responders can then use the ID to access additional information about you through the 24/7 emergency hotline service.

Any advice, either explicit or implied, is not intended to replace the qualified medical advice that is necessary for each individual. Disclaimer Statement ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast does not provide recommendations for any treatments for your particular situation on this website, on our social media, or in our handouts. 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. ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast 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, or in our other material. We have no formal relationship with the activities and organisations that we link to. Links to these activities and information are included for convenience only. The inclusion of such links does not imply endorsement by ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast 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 organisations, businesses and individuals listed. ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast is not responsible for the currency or accuracy of content on information we link to.

When we live with a debilitating chronic illness like ME/CFS, we may be unable to work to generate income for ourselves and our families. Depending on our family situation, other income and assets, there may be some income support available from Work and Income, a department of the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). We have summarised key information here on this page. When we live with or care for someone with a debilitating chronic illness like ME/CFS, we may be unable to work to generate income for ourselves and our families. Depending on our family situation, other income and assets, there may be some income support a vailable from Work and Income, a department of the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). We know it can be difficult working through the information and the application steps, so we have summarised key information here on this page. We also have a recorded presentation that you can watch. The advocates in our Work and Income Service are also available to provide confidential support to help you to access any assistance that you are eligible for from Work and Income. This service is normally delivered through email, but it depends what suits you best - texts, phone calls, zoom calls or home visits are also an option. The support may include: Helping to determine your eligibility for the different financial benefits and allowances. Assisting in filling out paperwork and applications. With your permission, acting on your behalf as your agent. Working with your GP to ensure any required medical certificates reflect the severity and impacts of your illness. Supporting you through issues with Work and Income. Advocating on your behalf with Work and Income. To refer yourself to the Work and Income Service, sign up as a member and email us to tell us what help would be beneficial, and one of our team will be in touch. Take your time reviewing the information below. 'CHECK WHAT YOU MIGHT GET' TOOL We encourage people to use the ‘Check what you might get’ tool from MSD to find out what you might be eligible for. This takes around five minutes to complete. The tool provides information about all the types of financial assistance you may qualify for and why, as well as what assistance you are unlikely to qualify for and why. COMMUNITY SERVICES CARD The Community Services Card can help you with the costs of health care and public transport. This means you could pay less on some health services, prescriptions and fares for public transport. You don’t have to be on a benefit to qualify for the card, but it is income tested. Work and Income will normally send the card to you if you are eligible. If they have not, you can apply for it online. Benefits and Allowances Up Work and Income have a range of benefits and allowances which have their own eligibility criteria and you will need to submit various supporting information with your application. We have a single page handout that overviews the key benefits and allowances available, and whether they are income or asset tested. Some of the benefits that may be available to you include: Supported Living Payment (SLP) MORE INFORMATION Support Living Payment (SLP) is a weekly payment for people who are severely restricted in their ability to work due to a health condition. This requires a medical certificate from your GP to confirm you cannot work more than 15 hours per week for the next 2 years. We have a guidance sheet for GPs on the criteria and medical certification requirements for the Supported Living Payment. Email the link to your GP, print out the handout, or ask us to post you a printed copy. Jobseeker Support and Medical Deferral MORE INFORMATION Jobseeker Support  is a temporary benefit available when a health condition is affecting your ability to work fulltime. With the support of a health practitioner such as your GP, you may be granted a Medical Deferral while receiving this payment. This deferral allows you to receive Jobseeker Support without the obligation to look for work when this would not be practical due to your health. Disability Allowance MORE INFORMATION Disability Allowance  can cover regular ongoing costs that are a direct result of a medical or health need up to $82 per week. It is income tested. This allowance is also available for the Non-Beneficiary if all eligibility criteria are met. Here are some of the costs that may be covered by the Disability Allowance with support from your GP: Doctor's fees. Prescription fees. Travel to your doctor, specialist, hospital or counsellor. Counsellor. Heating. Medical alarm rental and monitoring. Hearing aid batteries. Lawn mowing. Gardening. Special clothing requirements e.g. compression stockings. Exterior window cleaning. Special foods e.g. gluten free foods. Other treatments, such as: Chiropractor Podiatry Physiotherapy/Gym fees/Pool entry. Herbal supplements (e.g.pro-biotics). Unfunded prescription medications. For a full list of costs covered by the Disability Allowance, see Types of costs - Map . If you want to access counselling but are already receiving the maximum Disability Allowance, the counselling fees may be able to be covered by Temporary Additional Support (see further below). We have a guidance sheet for GPs on the criteria, medical certification requirements, and example eligible costs for the Disability Allowance. Email the link to your GP, print out the handout, or ask us to post you a printed copy. Accommodation Supplement MORE INFORMATION Accommodation Supplement  provides weekly assistance towards your rent, board, mortgage payments, rates payments, or home insurance. It is income and asset tested. This is available even if you are not receiving another benefit if all eligibility criteria are met. Temporary Additional Support (TAS) MORE INFORMATION Temporary Additional Support (TAS) is a weekly payment to help with essential daily living costs when you don’t have enough money for these. It can be paid for up to 13 weeks and would need to be re-applied for after that. This is available even if you are not receiving another benefit, if you meet the income and asset tests, and the other criteria. Special Needs Grant MORE INFORMATION Special Needs Grant may cover one-off essential costs when you don’t have the funds. You do not need to pay this back. It is asset and income tested, and can be used for costs such as food, some dental treatment, health travel costs, medical equipment. Recoverable Assistance Grant MORE INFORMATION Recoverable Assistance Grant may cover essential costs not covered by the Special Needs Grant. This is generally paid direct to the supplier on your behalf. Repayments are automatically deducted from your weekly payments, at a rate agreed on with the case manager processing the payment. Costs that may be covered include clothing, car repairs, glasses, hearing aids. Supported Living Payment for Carers MORE INFORMATION Supported Living Payment for Carers is a weekly payment if you are caring fulltime for a person would otherwise need to receive hospital or residential-level care. Child Care Subsidy MORE INFORMATION Child Care Subsidy assists towards pre-school childcare costs and may be useful to consider accessing if you care for children while living with chronic illness, to ensure that you have opportunities to rest. Up Applying for Support Use the MyMSD website to submit your applications to Work and Income and to give notice of any changes. Ensure you have your MSD Client Number. This will be on your Community Services Card, Super Gold Card, or letters from MSD. If you don’t have a client number yet, use the online form to Request a client number . To register for a MyMSD account, go to www.my.msd.govt.nz/register To apply for financial assistance from Work and Income, visit the MyMSD website and click the Apply button. Remember that you can start an online application and then save it. Just come back within 20 days to complete. Once you have submitted your application, Work and Income will ask you to submit information such as evidence of costs, medical certificates, and proof of bank account and IRD number. You will normally have 20 working days to provide this. If you disagree with a decision, you will have 90 days to request a review. Please get in touch with our team to assist you with the review of the decision. Emailing Work and Income Up People with ME/CFS often have difficulty communicating on the phone and Work and Income offers communication by email for this situation, under their Deaf Services. When communicating by email, compose the email as follows: Set the To address to MSD_Deaf_Services@msd.govt.nz In the Subject bar type your Full Name and Client Number . Include the following information in your email: At the start, include your full name, client number, date of birth and current address, as identification. State that email contact is preferred due to Chronic Illness, limitations and difficulty talking on a phone. e.g. “I have the chronic illness ME/CFS and this impacts my cognitive abilities. I find talking and responding to questions on the phone very difficult. My preferred method of communication is by email. ” State what you want to know or what you need to contact Work and Income about. Appoint an Agent Up You can choose to have someone else act on your behalf in some or all of your dealings with Work and Income. This person is called an agent , and they volunteer their time. Agent for a single event: You can verbally ask to have a support person who is with you (on a phone call or at a meeting), to act on your behalf. This verbal agreement will last just for that meeting. When you want someone to act on your behalf for longer: Select the agent with care. It could be a friend or family member, MECFS Canterbury, or a benefit advisory service. You can still talk to MSD and act for yourself when you are able to. Indicate on the ‘Appointment of Agent’ form the scope of tasks that the agent can help with. This can range from making enquiries on your behalf, signing forms, right through to all interactions. (Note: We have a simplified form if you wish to appoint us as an agent.) Up More Information Benefit info from Work and Income www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/health-and-disability/index.html www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/ MSD Policies www.workandincome.govt.nz/map MECFS Canterbury Contact our Work and Income Advocacy team . Benefit Advisory Services if you live in Christchurch or the Waimakariri district, the team at Beneficiary Advisory Services offer free advice and advocacy If you live outside our region, contact your local ME/CFS support organisation, or search www.cab.org.nz to find your local benefit advisory service. Rare Disorders NZ Work and Income information www.raredisorders.org.nz/patient-support/financial-assistance/financial-support-available-from-work-and-income

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.

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

Intervention Fund We operate a small semi-urgent Intervention Fund to support members in times of escalated need when they have no way to cover a critical cost themselves or from elsewhere. The support provided varies and may cover a voucher for food, one-off cleaning prior to a house inspection, an initial appointment with a counsellor, or the fee for a visit to GP or other health professional. We may not have funding to consider all requests, but please do enquire. We may be able to find some other way to cover the cost, if we cannot do so ourselves. To access this service: If you are already working with one of our Nurses or Advocates, please get in touch with them and explain what your needs are. They will explore options with you and then, if necessary, refer your situation to the Manager for consideration. Alternatively, members are invited to email the office directly to request support. CONTACT US

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.

Library Our library of books and limited equipment is available to members free of charge. The books in our library have been selected or donated by past and current members and supporters of MECFS Canterbury. Please note that it is not our role to endorse all books or all content of each book. CLICK TO VIEW ONLINE CATALOGUE The library includes books on evidence-based management of ME/CFS and other approaches, books about coping with long term chronic illness, and fiction related to ME/CFS as well. You can visit the library in person, but most people request that we post items out to them. We can provide you with a post paid courier bag for returning the books, and when you are ready to return the items, we can arrange for NZ Post to pick up from your home. Our Recommendations For those new to ME/CFS we recommend books by Dr Rosamund Vallings, Dr Charles Shepherd, and Dr David Bell. In particular: 'Chronic Fatigue Syndrome M.E. - Symptoms Diagnosis Management' by Dr Rosamund Vallings CLICK TO VIEW IN CATALOGUE For in-depth clinical guidance, we recommend: 'ME/CFS/PVFS An explanation of the Key Clinical Issues' by Dr Charles Shephard and updated regularly by the ME Association UK CLICK TO VIEW IN CATALOGUE Please seek medical advice: Any suggestions or advice given in any of the books in our library, should not replace medical advice, and we do not accept any responsibility for any treatment undertaken. Please discuss with your GP or health care team any changes to your treatment regime before implementing them, including the severity of your illness and any other health issues. We are all different, and unfortunately, what works for one person may not work for another. It is best to be careful. Can't find the book you want to read? Let us know if you would like us to get a book in, and we will do our best to purchase it for the library. First Name Last Name Email Message Thanks for your query! Send

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.