Help a friend with ME/CFS If you know someone who lives with ME/CFS, your help and support can make an important difference to their lives. Ask them what would make things easier for them, and what support they would like. Perhaps prepare a meal, provide quiet company, help with housework or maintenance, or pay a bill. If you invite them to an event, consider how to reduce the energy required of them, provide a quiet space to rest, and be aware that they may need to cancel on the day if they are too unwell. Believe them. Learn about their experience and the illness. Remember to manage the support you give around your own needs. Possible next steps: Support your friend to join us so that they can receive our services. FILL OUT OUR MEMBERSHIP FORM Have any questions? Please reach out to us. CONTACT US Guidance for hosting and gifts:

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 Healthify | Te Puna Waiora's articles on management and support for Long COVID. 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.

Meal preparation can be a difficult task for people with ME/CFS. If possible, try to have some ready-made meals in the freezer or quick meal options for those days when you are very unwell or need to conserve energy for tomorrow's activities. We have curated a list of ready-made meals options below for pickup or delivery to your home. Easy Meals Meal preparation can be a difficult task for people with ME/CFS. If possible, try to have some ready-made meals in the freezer or quick meal options for those days when you are very unwell or need to conserve energy for tomorrow's activities. Consider cooking in bulk and freezing meal-sized portions. We have curated a list of ready-made meals options below for pickup or delivery to your home, or purchase at your supermarket. Not many would be affordable on a tight budget, but perhaps you can share with your whānau, in case they are in a position to purchase some meals for you from time to time. We hope to add supermarket bought easy-prep meal options as well soon. Please note that we made our best efforts to ensure the details were accurate when added, but we may have missed updating some details. Please double check information on the suppliers website before purchasing and do let us know if you discover an error or can suggest an addition. We are grateful to the following ready-made meal suppliers who have offered discounts for our ME/CFS community. See full details and conditions further below. Several suppliers also have discounts for first time purchases or offer specials regularly. Clean Meals - 10% discount EATL8R - 10% discount Kai 2 You - 10% discount Meal Prep - 10% discount My Kitchen Table - 15% discount Also worth highlighting in the list below: Nourish Oraka, a charity based in Shirley, Christchurch, offers free meals. Meals on Wheels may be an option for you. Ask your GP to refer you. Gluten free and dairy free options are available from Clean Meals, Fit Food, Health Kicks, My Kitchen Table, MYLK Food Store, Primal Kitchen, Richards Real Kitchen. Health Kicks offer low FODMAP options. DISCLAIMER: We have no formal relationship with the business activities listed on this website page. Links to these activities are included for convenience. ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast is not responsible for the currency or accuracy of content on such websites and the inclusion of such links does not imply endorsement by MECFS Canterbury of the linked website or its provider, products and services offered. Readers are advised to take their own appropriate due diligence steps prior to engaging with the businesses and individuals listed. Meals on Wheels https://www.cab.org.nz/community-directory/KB00033364 Hot, nutritious meals for people who have difficulty preparing their own meals. Freshly made meals with a main and a dessert for 3, 4 or 5 days per week. Meals are subsidised in Canterbury and the West Coast by Health NZ and cost $8.70 each. Clients are invoiced at the end of each month and pay Health NZ Canterbury by monthly direct credit or by automatic payment each week/fortnight. Meals on Wheels (MOW) are available by referral from a General Practice team or other Health Professional for a person that meets the following criteria: unable to prepare a hot meal without assistance due to a medical condition or disability; have no family or whānau assistance readily available; need a delivered meal to maintain good nutrition and independence. Other restrictions may apply. For availability in other regions, visit https://info.health.nz/services-support/support-services/meals-on-wheels or search the CAB website. GLUTEN FREE, LACTOSE FREE, VEGETERIAN, DIABETIC, MINCE, PUREED AND SOFT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE. Delivery Details: Free delivery around noon each work day by volunteers, to Christchurch, Lincoln, Kaiapoi, Rangiora, Ashburton, Greymouth, Reefton, Hokitika, and some rural areas. Discount Offered - Nourish Oraka https://www.facebook.com/nourishoraka Free meals made from ingredients sourced from Kairos Food Rescue. This community group in Shirley, Christchurch, prepares free meals with ingredients sourced from Kairos Food Rescue, with the menu changing each week. All meals / soups are labelled with ingredients and allergens. GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY FREE AND VEGETARIAN OPTIONS SOMETIMES AVAILABLE. Delivery Details: Pickup only from store at 27 Acheson Ave, Shirley at limited times - usually Monday 1:30 to 2:30 and 5-6pm. Discount Offered - BBQuick https://bbquick.co.nz Real food, made properly — no shortcuts. Freshly made frozen full-sized meals, soups and desserts. Pricing starts at $14.49 per meal. Ready-to-go packs or pick-n-mix to build your own pack. VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN OPTIONS AVAILABLE. Delivery Details: Shipped nationwide from Dunedin with same or next day dispatch. Example shipping fee for 8 meal pack is $14.50 for South Island and $19.50 for North Island delivery. Discount Offered SuperGold Card holders are eligible for $10 off every BBQuick order over $99. Balance by Sim https://balancebysimo.co.nz Ready made meals for a healthy lifestyle by award-winning chef. Freshly made main meals. Subscription or casual pricing starts from $52.00 for minimum of 3 meals per week. GLUTEN FREE, KETO, VEGETARIAN, LOW CARB AND DIABETIC OPTIONS AVAILABLE. Delivery Details: Delivered to your door in the Christchurch city area for $7 per delivery. Order by Sunday for Wednesday delivery. Discount Offered - Clean Meals https://cleanmeals.co.nz Eating clean doesn't need to be bland. Freshly made meals, breakfasts, and snacks. Meals are chilled not frozen. Prices start from $15.50 per meal. Subscriptions and one-off orders available. VEGETARIAN, VEGAN, GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY FREE, NUT FREE, SHELLFISH FREE, SOY FREE, SPICY AND BENSON DETOX OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE. Delivery Details: Pickup available in Christchurch. Nationwide delivery to your doorstep on Tuesday afternoon. Rural delivery at own risk. The cut-off time to change your meal selections or place an order for the following week is the previous Thursday at 6pm. Discount Offered Use code MECFS25C for 10% off your order. Crisp and Vale https://crispandvale.co.nz Chef-made heat and eat ready meals. Made fresh and stored frozen. Freshly made frozen meals, sides, soup, and dessert. Main meals start from $20.00 serving 2 to 3 people. Casual orders. GLUTEN FREE AND VEGETARIAN OPTIONS AVAILABLE. Delivery Details: Pickup in Sydenham. Same day or next day delivery in Christchurch and surrounding suburbs for $12 within 15km radius, or $25 for up to 25 kms, with minimum spend of $60. Discount Offered - EATL8R https://www.eatl8r.co.nz Nutritious meals delivered to you. The Eatl8r menu changes weekly and with the seasons. Meals, soups, desserts with petite size meals starting at $13 and regular size at $15. Ingredient information provided. Delivery Details: Pickup in Waltham or delivered to Christchurch city suburbs for $6 or Canterbury for $11. Deliveries are made on Thursdays. Discount Offered Use code MECFS10 for 10% off your order. Eat https://www.eat.co.nz Home of fresh, ready to heat and eat meals delivered to your door. Freshly made meals, soups, desserts, and baking with regular sized meals (400g) starting from $13.50 and large (500g) from $15. Frozen potluck boxes and Tiddly meals are frozen. VEGETARIAN OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AND TEXTURE MODIFIDED PUREE MEALS ARE AVAILABLE that meet the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation (IDDSI) Level 4 Puree for people who have difficulty swallowing or have digestive problems. Delivery Details: Delivered nationwide from Wellington with a $35 shipping fee to the South Island. Order by 11am for delivery next day. Discount Offered - Farro https://www.farro.co.nz Dinner made deliciously easy. Build your own meal bundle and care package. Family meals, frozen pizzas, sides, soups, sauces, and desserts. Heat and Eat meals start from $14.99, 2-3 serve meals start from $19.99. Also available to purchase are meal bundles and ready-to-cook options. VEGETARIAN OPTIONS AVAILABLE. Delivery Details: Delivered from Auckland to Christchurch and surrounding areas for $35. Order by Thursday 10am for delivery on Monday. Discount Offered - Fit Food https://www.fitfood.co.nz Healthier. Easier. Better. Fresh and frozen single serve meals, family meals, meal bases, sides, sauces, breakfast meals, and desserts. Fresh meals starting from $12.00. Frozen meals starting from $14.90. Family meals starting from $37.90. Subscription or casual orders. KETO, GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY FREE, VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE. Delivery Details: Pickup from Rangiora on Monday and Tuesday. Delivery fee within South Island is $12.50. Order by Thursday night for Tuesday delivery. Discount Offered - Freshchef.nz https://freshchef.nz Chef made. Hearty portions are sealed to lock in the freshness & flavour. Freshly made frozen meals and desserts. Meals start from $15.99 with most around $18.49. Order a subscription box or purchase one-off. GLUTEN FREE, VEGAN, VEGETARIAN AND KETO OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE. Ingredient information provided. Delivery Details: Pickup in Rangiora or delivered nationwide the next day with shipping starting from $9.90. Free shipping on your first order. Discount Offered - Health Kicks https://healthkicks.nz When life happens. We have you covered. Fresh lunch and dinner meals changing each week. Plans start from $70.00 per week for 5 meals. Order meal packs by subscription or one-time purchase. MOST MEALS ARE GLUTEN AND DAIRY FREE. VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE. Delivery Details: Order by Monday evening for delivery in Christchurch, Timaru and Ashburton on the following Monday. Shipping within Christchurch around $7. Do not deliver to rural addresses. Discount Offered - Healthy Kiwi Dinners https://www.healthykiwidinners.co.nz/ Roast dinners and more that bring comfort, warmth and satisfaction. Frozen and fresh meals, salads, sandwiches, soup and desserts. Fresh meals from $14 and available in three different sizes. Frozen meals are $14 each. Bulk pricing specials. Order by phone. GLUTEN FREE AND VEGETARIAN OPTIONS AVAILABLE. Delivery Details: Pickup in Woolston or delivered to Christchurch area only for around $8 on minimum order of $30. Discount Offered - Just Good Food https://justgoodfood.co.nz Want natural, home-made meals without the fuss of making it? Frozen meals and desserts. Regular meals $12.00, large mains $14.00, Desserts are $10.00. Ingredient information provided. Delivery Details: Christchurch delivery only with $5 fee for minimum order of $40. Free delivery for orders over $100. Order by 2pm Tuesday for delivery Thursday. Discount Offered - Kai 2 You https://www.kai2you.co.nz Ready to heat and eat meals. Made with love. Fresh meals, frozen pies and sausage rolls, soups, scones and desserts. Regular meals from $15, petite meals $11, soup $5. No subscriptions. New menu every week. Gift vouchers are available. Ingredient information available. Delivery Details: Pickup in Papanui or delivered to greater Christchurch with $6-$8 per delivery, based on a minimum order value of $30. Discount Offered Use code MECF10 for 10% off. Supergold card holders get 14% off with code super14. MYLK Food Store https://mylkfoodstore.com From my little kitchen to yours. Handcrafted nutritious meals ready in minutes. Freshly made meals, soups, sides and desserts. Soups start from $9, main dishes from $9.90 (single 200g size). Menu changes each week. One-off orders. Gift vouchers available. GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY FREE AND VEGATERIAN OPTIONS AVAILABLE. Delivery Details: Delivered from Napier to the South Island for $25. Cannot deliver to rural addresses. Order before 4pm on Tuesday for delivery following Tuesday. Discount Offered - Meal Box https://www.mealbox.nz Chef crafted meals. Save time and energy. Freshly made main meals that are flash frozen, and breakfasts. Main Meals from $15.99 each. Breakfast add ons are $9.00. Purchase one-time or on subscription. KETO, LOW CALORIE AND PROTEIN+ OPTIONS AVAILABLE. Ingredients information provided. Delivery Details: South Island shipping cost is $29.99, and North Island is $14.99. Minimum of 5 meals need to be ordered. Next day delivery. Discount Offered - Meal Prep https://mealprep.nz High-protein meals—no prep, no stress. Just heat, eat, and enjoy! Freshly made breakfast meals, lunch and dinners. Lunch and dinner from $14.90. Care packages and gift vouchers available. DAIRY FREE, VEGAN, PLANT BASED AND VEGETARIAN OPTIONS AVAILABLE. Delivery Details: Delivered to the South Island within two days for $28. Discount Offered Use code MECFS10 for 10% off first order of 3 different meals above $50. Not available on subscriptions or meal plans. My Food Bag – Ready Made Meals https://www.myfoodbag.co.nz/ready-made-meals Award winning. Fresh, Ready-Made Meals. Freshly made meals, soups and dessert. 18 meals to choose from every week including homestyle favourites and healthy options. Order in bulk from 4, 6, 9 or 12 meals per week. Pricing starts from $72 for 4 meals ($18 per plate). Purchase on subscription or one-off order. Ingredient information provided. Delivery Details: New Zealand wide delivery $15. Delivered to your door on Saturday, Sunday or Monday depending on your area. Discount Offered - My Kitchen Table https://mykitchentable.nz Chef quality meals proudly made fresh and frozen in Nelson. Freshly made frozen meals, soups and meal boxes. Soups from $9.99 each, single mains from $12.99 and double from $19.99. Meal Boxes start from $89.00. Also available in selected Fresh Choice and New World supermarkets. GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY FREE, VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN OPTIONS AVAILABLE. Delivery Details: Delivered from Nelson to Canterbury and West Coast $14.90 per order. Orders made by noon are normally delivered the next day. Discount Offered Use code MECFS15 for 15% off. Not available on specials. Pasta Vera https://pasta.co.nz/product-category/retail-range/ready-meals/ Locally made lasagne, filled pasta, and ready meals. Lasagne, pasta and other meals. Meals from $9.49. VEGETARIAN, VEGAN, GLUTEN FREE AND DAIRY FREE OPTIONS AVAILABLE. Delivery Details: Available from selected supermarkets and the factory store in Wigram. Discount Offered - Primal Kitchen https://primalkitchen.co.nz All natural. Grain free. No refined sugar. Soy free. Freshly made meals, frozen meals, meal packs, subscriptions, family packs, snacks and treats. Frozen Meals start from $14.95, frozen subscriptions start from $69.95 per week, Random selection of frozen meals are $15.25. Gift Vouchers available. GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY FREE AND KETO OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE. Delivery Details: Delivered from Porirua, Wellington, to South Island for $35. Order on Friday for delivery on following Tuesday or Thursday. Discount Offered - Radix Nutrition https://radixnutrition.com/ Built for peak performance. Made for every day. Freeze dry meals, add water or milk (meal dependant) and have a ready to eat meal. Offering breakfasts, savoury meals, and protein drinks. Buy as a one-off purchase or as monthly subscriptions. Purchase boxes of 6-8, offering variety packs to test all flavours. Example pricing: Fodmap Meals. $99.90/one-time or $84.92/month. All meals are labeled with allergen and ingredients. FODMAP FRIENDLY, PLANT-BASED, GLUTEN FREE. Nationwide Shipping in Aotearoa and Australia. Free shipping for orders over $99. Shipping cost estimate of $8.90 for non-free orders. Discount Offered - Richards Real Kitchen https://www.richardsrealkitchen.co.nz Delicious fresh and frozen heat and eat meals in single and family size. Fresh and frozen meals, soups and desserts. Meals from $14 each for a single serve (large by weight, volume and protein), family-sized from $39. One-off orders. Gift vouchers available. GLUTEN FREE, VEGAN, DAIRY FREE AND VEGETARIAN OPTIONS AVAILABLE. Fewer processed additives. Delivery Details: Pickup from Wigram or delivery fee from $5 for Christchurch and surrounding areas. Order by 11am for same day delivery. Leave a chilly bin on the doorstep for delivery. Discount Offered - Strength Meals https://strengthmealsco.co.nz/ High protein, macro balanced meals formulated by nutritionist Frozen meals and chilled or canned soups. Soups $5.50 and meals $13.50. VEGETARIAN, VEGAN, GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY FREE, LOW SUGAR OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE. Delivery Details: Only available from Woolworths supermarkets. Discount Offered - Timata https://www.timata.nz Tīmata provides easy access to affordable, nutritious ready-made meals. Fresh meals and desserts purchased in bulk. Six meals for $79.98 ($13.33 each) or 8 Meals for $99.98 ($12.50 each). Subscription, with variable weekly options. Timata provides additional supports designed for the Enabled Good Lives disabled community including delivery of medications and groceries, and a platform to connect providers with members. Delivery Details: Free delivery nationwide from Invercargill, excluding rural delivery addresses. Delivered overnight or on the day selected. Discount Offered - Traiteur https://www.traiteur.co.nz/order/heat-eat Homemade happiness, delivered to you. Heat and eat meals, soups, salads, sweet treats, and butchery meat. Heat and eat meals start from $14.50, soups $10.50, salads from $7.50, weekly menu starts from $21.95. treats from $4.95. One-off orders. VEGETARIAN OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE. Delivery Details: Pickup from Papanui or delivery in surrounding neighbourhood on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Discount Offered -

Spectrum of Severity The severity of ME/CFS is on a spectrum. The level of symptoms and severity experienced by each person with ME/CFS is unique and is likely to fluctuate over time. Some people do improve or go into remission for periods of time. Often those who are most severely unwell are those who were not given the advice to rest and pace activites when first unwell. Historically, four general terms are used to categorise the wide spectrum of disease severity and functional impairment seen in ME/CFS: Mild, Moderate, Severe, Very Severe. It’s worth noting that a ‘Mild’ level of severity may be close to a 50% reduction in functionality – certainly not a ‘mild’ impact for the person living with it. For people who are in the Mild category, they may be able to live a fairly normal life if they avoid exceeding their activity limits. Mild Mobile and able to self-care. May be working or attending school, but often with accommodations and by reducing other domestic and social activities. Severe Mostly homebound. Limited activities of daily living (e.g., self-care, showering, dressing). Severe cognitive difficulties. May be wheelchair dependent. Moderate Reduced mobility and restricted activities of daily living. Requires frequent rest periods and typically not working or attending school. Very Severe Bedbound. Unable to carry out most activities of daily living for themselves. Often extreme sensory sensitivity to light, sound, touch, etc. May need total care Quality of Life ME/CFS is a disabling illness that affects daily life. Studies that look at the Health-Related Quality of Life index (HRQoL) consider five dimensions: Mobility Self-care Usual activities Pain/discomfort Anxiety/depression Results of studies for people with ME/CFS confirm a significantly lower quality of life than the population mean and the lowest of all the compared conditions. ME/CFS – 0.47 Depression - 0.62 Multiple Sclerosis – 0.67 Breast Cancer – 0.75 General Population – 0.85 Link https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0132421 PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE

Volunteer Outreach Services We have a growing team of wonderful volunteers in our Outreach Service who provide one-off or regular practical support for people affected by ME/CFS. Our kind volunteers help with tasks such as housework, dog-walking, gardening, friendly company, and technical support. This support can help clients to stabilise symptoms, manage obligations and domestic activities, and reduce isolation. We won’t always have a volunteer to match with you in your area, but if you let us know what your needs are, we can certainly try to find someone. All our volunteers have a clean result from a Police Check, are given information about ME/CFS, and sign confidentiality and other volunteer agreements. A quick note to set expectations of our Outreach Service... T here are some factors affecting the capacity of this service currently: It is coordinated by a part time volunteer, and sometimes the coordinator position itself is vacant. It takes time to onboard volunteers and then to match them with clients that need the help offered in the suburb needed. Volunteers do not always stay for long, as they may move onto employment or further study. However, please do put your name on the list if you are interested in this support. We can't guarantee we will find a volunteer for you, but it makes it possible if we know what your needs are. To access this service: To refer yourself to the Volunteer Outreach Service, sign up as a member and note on the form what help would be beneficial, and one of our team will be in touch. FILL OUT OUR MEMBERSHIP FORM CONTACT US If you are already a member, send us an email about the help you are needing.

Being told you have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) or Long Covid can feel overwhelming and isolating. < Back Find Support After an ME/CFS or Long Covid Diagnosis in Canterbury and the West Coast 22 Jun 2026 Being told you have Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) or Long Covid can feel overwhelming and isolating. You may be struggling to find people who truly understand what you are going through, or healthcare professionals who take your symptoms seriously. If you are based in Canterbury or the West Coast of New Zealand, you do not have to navigate this alone. A Community That Gets It ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast runs a free, private Facebook support group for people living with ME/CFS (also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and Long Covid in the Canterbury and West Coast regions of Aotearoa New Zealand. This is a space where you do not need to explain yourself. Members understand the reality of post-exertional malaise, the unpredictability of symptoms, and the frustration of conditions that are still poorly understood by many in the medical system. Join the group here: ME/CFS Canterbury West Coast Support Group on Facebook Who Is the Group For? The group is open to: People newly diagnosed with ME/CFS or Long Covid, or currently awaiting a diagnosis People who have been living with ME/CFS or Long Covid for years Carers and whanau supporting someone with either condition Whether you have mild symptoms or are severely affected, you are welcome. What to Expect This is a peer support space, not a medical advice forum. Members share experiences, practical tips, local resources, and simply the comfort of being understood. It is moderated to keep the space safe and respectful. About ME/CFS Canterbury West Coast ME/CFS Canterbury West Coast is a community organisation supporting people affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Long Covid across the Canterbury and West Coast regions. We receive no government funding. So much of what we offer this community exists because of dedicated volunteers who show up alongside our small team. We provide information, advocacy, and peer connection to help people and their whanau feel less alone and better equipped to navigate life with these complex illnesses. Ready to Connect? If you are newly diagnosed, still seeking answers, or simply looking for people who get it, we would love to have you in the group. Join the ME/CFS Canterbury West Coast Support Group on Facebook Keywords: ME/CFS Canterbury, Long Covid Canterbury, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome New Zealand, ME/CFS support group NZ, Long Covid support New Zealand, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Canterbury, ME/CFS West Coast NZ, Long Covid West Coast NZ, CFS support Canterbury, ME/CFS diagnosis New Zealand, Long Covid diagnosis New Zealand Previous Next

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

The activities of MECFS Canterbury for our ME/CFS and long COVID community, and the outputs and outcomes from these. Five programme areas to make an Impact 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 Want to help? We also have a single page pdf version of this Impact Map for you to view.

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

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, UK) has today, Friday 29 October 2021, published the guideline for ME/CFS: diagnosis and management, after a robust 3 year review process. < Back NICE releases new guidance for ME/CFS 29 Oct 2021 The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, UK) has today, Friday 29 October 2021, published the guideline for ME/CFS: diagnosis and management, after a robust 3 year review process. New NICE guideline creates hope - a paradigm shift in the care of people with #MEcfs Extracts from the Science for ME press release... "The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, UK) has today, Friday 29 October 2021, published the guideline for #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy)/ #chronicfatiguesyndrome : diagnosis and management." "The guideline replaces the existing clinical guideline published in 2007 and aims to improve awareness and understanding about ME/CFS, provide guidance on when to suspect it (to enable earlier diagnosis), and includes recommendations on access to care, symptom management and care planning." "NICE staff and the members of the guideline committee have worked for over three years to carefully examine the evidence... The guideline is a publication of international significance, providing an example of good practice that will influence ME/CFS care around the world." - Including here in New Zealand. "The guideline makes it clear that graded exercise therapy (GET) should no longer be offered to people with ME/CFS, and that both cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and therapies based on physical activity are not curative. This is based on a review of the evidence, which rated the outcomes for studies of these interventions all of low or very low quality. This is a welcome and significant, evidence based change in approach from the 2007 ME/CFS guideline, in which CBT and GET were central to treatment. Link to the new NICE guidelines:  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng206 Previous Next

Nurse Wendy Dragt shares guidelines for managing our energy when we live with a broken energy system < Back Recording for Energy Management presentation now available 20 Apr 2026 Nurse Wendy Dragt shares guidelines for managing our energy when we live with a broken energy system A presentation on Energy Management has been delivered around our region over the last month or so. A recording of nurse Wendy Dragt presenting this is now available to watch on our YouTube channel. The video is one hour long, so definitely pace yourself while watching! It has some really useful content and covers: Frameworks for understanding energy limits Pacing and life hacks 13 Strategies to manage the energy that you have Tools for pacing There are quite a few links to further reading and resources in the description for the video as well. https://youtu.be/orxAmVmt41I?si=-kIpXBPbYvOP6Tev Previous Next

Announcing updated guidance for clinicians in Canterbury and West Coast from Health NZ. We encourage health professionals who have access to HealthPathways to become familiar with the extended guidance for diagnosis, treatment and management of this debilitating condition. < Back New clinical guidance for ME/CFS on HealthPathways 12 May 2025 Announcing updated guidance for clinicians in Canterbury and West Coast from Health NZ. We encourage health professionals who have access to HealthPathways to become familiar with the extended guidance for diagnosis, treatment and management of this debilitating condition. 'HealthPathways' is an online system from Health NZ that GPs log into to view best-practice clinical advice for assessing and managing a wide range of health conditions and concerns. There is often standardised national content for a topic, with each region then providing local information to reflect local supports and services on the regions own view of the HealthPathways. We are excited to announce that the HealthPathways team published updated guidance for #MECFS (#MyalgicEncephalomyelitis / #ChronicFatigueSyndrome ) on the Canterbury Community HealthPathways website on 12th March 2025. This information is also available to GPs on the West Coast of NZ. The pathway includes current evidence-based best-practice clinical advice for health professionals. The update includes: • More information on criteria to help with diagnosis. • More information about assessing and supporting patients with severe ME/CFS. • Extended management guidance for specific symptoms. We encourage health professionals who have access to HealthPathways to become familiar with the extended guidance for diagnosis, treatment and management of this debilitating condition. Link: https://canterbury.communityhealthpathways.org/44978.htm Please reach out to MECFS Canterbury to access the latest research summaries and other guidance, or to assist you in other ways. ____________________________ We have prepared a letter about this new information for you to take to your GP, next time you visit. We want GPs to know about the new HealthPathway so that they can support you better. ___________________________ FURTHER READING: To find out more, we recommend: ✦ For patients: www.healthinfo.org.nz/Chronic-fatigue-syndrome-CFS.htm ✦ Guidance from us: https://www.mecfscanterbury.nz/living-with-me-cfs ✦ CDC (USA): https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/symptoms-diagnosis/symptoms.html ✦ NICE (UK): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng206 ✦ Mayo Clinic (USA): https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/s0025-6196(23)00402-0/fulltext ___________________________ DISCLAIMER: Please note that MECFS Canterbury does not recommend any treatments. 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. MECFS Canterbury is not responsible for the accuracy of content that we link to. The inclusion of such links does not imply endorsement by MECFS Canterbury. Previous Next