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.

Getting Diagnosed At this stage, there are no specific diagnostic tests available that can be done in a clinical setting to confirm ME/CFS. However, healthcare professionals can make a diagnosis by using the diagnostic criteria, excluding other possible conditions, and ensuring that post-exertional malaise (PEM) is present. VIEW THE DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA Your doctor is likely to refer to the clinical advice for ME/CFS on the Health Pathways website provided by Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand and may: Ask about you and your family’s health history. Ask about anything you have tried that makes the symptoms better or worse. Suggest that you keep a diary of symptoms and activity. Carry out an examination to identify alternative underlying disorders. They may look for any weight changes, difficulty with self-care, and issues with heart rate and blood pressure when moving to an upright position, and also, check for lymphadenopathy, thyroid disease, cardiac or pulmonary disease, joint or connective tissue disease, and neurological issues such as myopathy and multiple sclerosis. Request baseline blood tests for CBC, CRP, ferritin, electrolytes, renal and liver function, calcium, magnesium, blood glucose/HbA1c, B12, vitamin D, thyroid function, coeliac antibodies. If your illness is post-viral, they may also test for Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and HIV. Depending on your symptoms, they may also test for immunoglobulins, antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid titres, creatine kinase, and cortisol. Request an ECG and chest x-ray if you experience palpitations, chest pain or shortness of breath. Consider long COVID if your symptoms appear to have been triggered by COVID-19 infection. We have a lett e r that you can take to your GP to let them know about the new clinical guidelines for ME/CFS on the Health Pathways website. DOWNLOAD A LETTER FOR CANTERBURY GPS DOWNLOAD A LETTER FOR WEST COAST GPS Our Registered Nurse Service is available to support you when you are wondering if you have ME/CFS and are seeking a diagnosis. Our nurses work through the assessment process against the diagnostic criteria with you, and then, with your permission, can share the result with your GP. How we help For a comprehensive list of clinical primers and other resources for health professionals refer to: Link https://m.e.awareness.nz/resources-health-professionals/ PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE

Subscribe to our Newsletter Sign up to become a member to receive our bi-monthly newsletter. The newsletter includes information about managing and living with ME/CFS, latest research, our activities, plus more. BECOME A MEMBER VIEW OUR NEWSLETTERS Latest News We plan to share key updates about ME/CFS, Long COVID, and our organisation here. If you remember seeing a notice about new guidance or initiative in our newsletter or social media and want to revisit the details, it will be worth checking the updates listed below. 25 Aug 2026 Our August 2026 newsletter is now available! Theme for this issue is responses in our annual survey. We also highlight some new guides for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Dysautonomia Read More 8 Jul 2026 ‘I feel trapped’: 29-year-old Wellington woman hasn’t left upstairs bedroom for four months Paddy Gower Does Stuff: Woman hasn’t left upstairs bedroom for months Read More 29 Jun 2026 Our June 2026 newsletter is now available! Theme for this issue is Manual Vagus Nerve Stimulation. Read More 24 Jun 2026 2026 Annual Survey – Open Now Your feedback shapes what we do... Read More 22 Jun 2026 Find Support After an ME/CFS or Long Covid Diagnosis in Canterbury and the West Coast Being told you have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) or Long Covid can feel overwhelming and isolating. Read More 12 Jun 2026 Announcing Winners of the 2026 Crash Wear Merch Design Competition We are excited to announce the three winners of our 2026 Crash Wear Merch Design Competition. Read More Load More

The Mayo Clinic Proceedings publication has recently published a consensus recommendation article for ME/CFS written by the ME/CFS Clinician Coalition. It is exciting that another leading health care publication is sharing up-to-date evidence based information about ME/CFS. < Back Mayo Clinic releases new consensus clinical guidance for ME/CFS 4 Sept 2021 The Mayo Clinic Proceedings publication has recently published a consensus recommendation article for ME/CFS written by the ME/CFS Clinician Coalition. It is exciting that another leading health care publication is sharing up-to-date evidence based information about ME/CFS. The Mayo Clinic Proceedings publication is a premier peer-reviewed clinical journal for general and internal medicine, and is among the most widely read and highly cited scientific publications for physicians. The journal has recently published a consensus recommendation article "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Essentials of Diagnosis and Management" by Lucinda Bateman et al (US ME/CFS Clinician Coalition). The lengthy article (14 pages + references) discusses diagnosis and management, and highlights: key biological impairments in ME/CFS. the need to identify/treat co-morbidities. why GET (Graded Exercise Therapy) is not recommended. the link to Long COVID. It is exciting that another leading health care publication is sharing up-to-date evidence based information about ME. Of note, this article cites research from exercise physiologist, Dr Lynette Hodges, Massey University, NZ. Author Dr. Lucinda Bateman notes, “There are many steps clinicians can take now to improve the health, function, and quality of life of people with ME/CFS, including those newly ill with ME/CFS following COVID-19. This guidance may also help Long COVID patients, even if they do not fully meet criteria for ME/CFS.” Please note that the medication section is based on the US environment, which has a large range of medications available and where clinicians are able to be more experimental with off-label prescriptions than in other countries such as NZ. For local guidance for NZ medical professionals, we recommend the NZ Doctor How to Treat: ME/CFS article. (Available https://m.e.awareness.nz/how-to-treat-mecfs .) Link: https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(21)00513-9/fulltext Previous Next

Support a Cause with Every Cup < Back ME/CFS Awareness Mugs for Blue Sunday 2026 21 Apr 2026 Support a Cause with Every Cup If you’ve been looking for a simple way to support ME/CFS Awareness this may, we’ve got something practical, meaningful and genuinely useful. Mugs designed with chronic illness life in mind. We’ve just launched 3 new ME/CFS themed mugs to our line of merch as part of our fundraising efforts for Blue Sunday on Sunday 17 May 2026 a much-loved event in ME/CFS awareness month. Why These Mugs Matter Living with ME/CFS often means adjusting to a slower pace of life. Small comforts like a warm drink can become part of a meaningful routine. These mugs are designed to reflect that reality with simple, relatable designs, gentle humour, and validation. Perfect for tea, coffee, or whatever gets you through the day. Order Early for Blue Sunday To make sure your mug arrives in time for Blue Sunday on 17 May we recommend ordering as soon as possible. All drinkware ordered in April and May will count toward our fundraising total and contributes directing to supporting people in Canterbury and the West Coast with ME/CFS and Long Covid. A Small Act That Adds Up Not everyone has the capacity to attend events or take part in large campaigns and that’s ok. This is a lower energy way to show support, start conversations, and be part of something meaningful. Get yours. Previous Next

We invite you to watch Nurse Wendy Dragt’s talk about Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) and its Management – now available on our youtube channel < Back Orthostatic Intolerance and its management Presentation 1 Sept 2025 We invite you to watch Nurse Wendy Dragt’s talk about Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) and its Management – now available on our youtube channel We invite you to watch Nurse Wendy Dragt’s talk about Orthostatic Intolerance (OI) and its Management – now available on our youtube channel https://youtu.be/HSj8zcK7XK0 OI is a common symptom in # MECFS, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. There are various types including #POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), #NMH (Neurally Mediated Hypotension) and low Orthostatic Intolerance. This presentation covers: ✦ Definition and background ✦ Patho physiology – what’s going on? ✦ Diagnosis ✦ Management ✦ Resources This recording provides useful information for people with ME/CFS, POTS, or NMH, their health team, and whānau. At 62 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. ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast is not responsible for the accuracy of content that we link to. The inclusion of such links does not imply endorsement by ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast. Previous Next

We are looking for another part time Registered Nurse < Back Registered Nurse Vacancy 23 Apr 2026 We are looking for another part time Registered Nurse We are looking for another part time #RegisteredNurse to join our small clinical team. Could you help us to make a difference for people with ME/CFS and long COVID? Or do you know someone who might? ____________________________ About #MECFS : ME/CFS is a serious long-term illness. People living with ME/CFS experience a fluctuating severity of symptoms and are severely impacted in the activities of daily living. Appropriate clinical support and guidance for self-management can improve symptoms and quality of life. ____________________________ About Us: ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast Charitable Trust is a growing community health organisation and charity. We focus on improving the lives of people living with #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis / #ChronicFatigueSyndrome and #longCOVID and their whānau, by providing information, validation, clinical support, connection, practical support and advocacy. We also provide educational opportunities and guidance about ME/CFS for health professionals. We deliver our services in Canterbury and the West Coast of New Zealand. Visit our website www.mecfscanterbury.nz to find out more. ____________________________ For details about the vacancy: ✦ Ad on Seek - https://nz.seek.com/job/91628370 ✦ Closing Date: 8am Monday 11th May 2026 Previous Next

We are delighted to announce that physiotherapists who have access to the Allied Healthways website provided by the CDHB now have appropriate advice available in the PhysioFITT guidance for ME/CFS. < Back New guidance from CDHB for physiotherapists 25 Jun 2021 We are delighted to announce that physiotherapists who have access to the Allied Healthways website provided by the CDHB now have appropriate advice available in the PhysioFITT guidance for ME/CFS. We are grateful to the clinical editors from the Canterbury District Health Board who have worked with us recently to provide up-to-date guidance about ME/CFS for physiotherapists working with the PhysioFITT programme. This new guidance is available on the CDHB's Allied Healthways online platform, and will help health professionals to be aware of current understanding of this debilitating illness, and the need to move away from prior advice that is no longer recommended. Under the PhysioFITT program, physiotherapists assess the clinical context of the patient and deliver a tailored assessment and activity plan appropriate to their health condition(s). Key points made for ME/CFS clients: Avoid exercise tests that may trigger post-exertional malaise (PEM). Check for Orthostatic Intolerance. Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) is not recommended for ME/CFS. Exercise should be used for physical maintenance (core strength, bone density and enjoyment) and be at a level to avoid post-exertional malaise (PEM). If PEM is experienced frequently, consider reducing rather than increasing activity in order to improve overall wellbeing. It may be more helpful to focus on daily activities than formal exercise. Make #movementforlife safe for #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome Previous Next

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

Advocacy and Networking MECFS Canterbury connects and works with other organisations and individuals to increase awareness of ME/CFS and advocate for better services and research. We collaborate with other organisations such as the national ME/CFS association, ANZMES; Te Whatu Ora Waitaha (formerly the Canterbury District Health Board); and Te Whatu Ora Te Tai o Poutini (formerly West Coast DHB). We are available to present to groups about ME/CFS and appropriate patient-centred care and supports. Please get in touch with us if this would be helpful for your workplace or organisation.

#LightsLowForME creates a visible, low effort way for allies to show solidarity while honouring the often-invisible suffering of people with severe ME < Back Join our quiet act of solidarity for people with severe ME/CFS on 8th August 8pm 1 Aug 2025 #LightsLowForME creates a visible, low effort way for allies to show solidarity while honouring the often-invisible suffering of people with severe ME On August 8 at 8:00 PM, we invite you to join us in a quiet act of solidarity to symbolise the isolation and extreme light sensitivity experienced by people with Severe ME. #LightsLowForME creates a visible, low effort way for allies to show solidarity while honouring the often-invisible suffering of people with severe ME. Severe ME Day honours the 25% of people with #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis who are housebound or bedbound living with the most disabling form of this illness. Many live in quiet, darkened rooms, often unable to eat and requiring care to carry out daily activities. What to do?: At 8:00 PM on August 8, please join us and dim your lights or sit in darkness for a few moments of quiet reflection. If you wish to, take a photo of a candle, soft light or darkened space and share it to your social media. Or use our #LightsLowForME frame or images shared below. Share a quote or fact about Severe ME or use one of our post templates and caption examples. Remember to use the hashtags #LightsLowForME #SevereMEDay and #RememberTheUnseen to quietly show your support. Image Frame: Apply our #LightsLowForME frame to your photo... https://www.canva.com/design/DAGux3PkxTg/p3cun_KzlKxQSH9vhu2KNQ/view?utm_content=DAGux3PkxTg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview Downloadable Images: Post one of our images... https://www.canva.com/design/DAGuzF_JT6o/geIqr1l1LTL_b_eb9DBrOQ/view?utm_content=DAGuzF_JT6o&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview Caption Example 1: I’m turning my #LightLowFor ME this Severe ME Day in solidarity with those forced to live in silence in darkened rooms. #SevereMEDay #RememberTheUnseen Caption Example 2: Tonight at 8:00 PM, I turned my #LightsLowForME for those who live in darkness. Not by choice, but because their bodies cannot tolerate light, sound or touch. Severe ME is a devastating illness, often rendering people bedbound, unable to speak, eat, or even tolerate gentle light. This is for them. We see you. We honour you. #SevereMEDay . We particularly encourage mildly affected followers if they have capacity and allies to carry this message forward. Your participation amplifies the realities of those who don’t have a voice and can't be seen or heard right now in quiet solidarity. For more information about Severe ME: https://www.mecfscanterbury.nz/severity https://anzmes.org.nz/severe-me-day-remembering-the-unseen/ Previous Next

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