About The ACT ME/CFS Society Inc.

The ACT Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Society exists to give support and help to its members, provide information about ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia and related illnesses and their treatment to members, medical practitioners and the public; and promote research.

The ACT ME/CFS Society is a not for profit organisation coordinated by volunteers. The Society is a member of SHOUT (Self Help Organisations United Together) which is a secretariat and first point of contact for several member groups. We receive a grant from the ACT Government and the rest of our finances comes from membership subscriptions, donations and fundraising ventures. More information is provided in our inquirers letter.

From the President...

I grew up in the Canberra region and have been involved in the ACT ME/CFS Society for many years. I’m sure a few of you will have read some of my articles. I also have experience working for the Motor Neurone Disease Association of New South Wales, where I started a support group in Central Western NSW.

I feel passionate about helping people with ME/CFS. My main focus is creating better understanding in the community, including providing information and support for friends, family, carers, health care professionals and educators to name a few. The society has come a long way in 21 years and with the continued help of all the committee members, volunteers and staff we can carry on the long tradition of raising awareness and improving the quality of life for everyone with ME/CFS & FMS.

If you or someone you know would like to volunteer please contact the society.

Mary Campbell

What We Offer

Support

• Self Management Course – Helping you learn how to manage ME/CFS/FMS more effectively
• Support Worker – Our Community Development Officer Gwen works two days a week If you would like to talk to her, phone SHOUT on 6290 1984 anytime (leave a message if she isn't there and she'll get back to you) or email admin@mecfscanberra.org.au.
• Telephone Information and Support Service (TISS) run by volunteers –speak to a person living with ME/CFS/FMS
• Support group meetings held once a month– Learn about a new topic and meet other people with ME/CFS/FMS
• Young Women's Coffee Mornings- Women, both young and young-at-heart, meet to share and enjoy each others’ company.
• Online Forum – Contact other people with ME/CFS & FMS in the ACT region online thanks to the ME/CFS Society of NSW.

Information, advocacy and research

• Fundraising for Alison Hunter Memorial Foundation (AHMF)– Premier ME/CFS Research Foundation in Australia
• Public Information sessions – such as held in National Science Week 2006
• Specialised information sessions – For example in 2006 Dr Peter Del Fante from South Australia presented to the ACT Division of General Practice.
• Awareness Day Activities (May 12) – Fundraising and information sessions
• Member of ME/CFS Australia – helping create awareness on a national level

Publications (to list a few)

• Canadian Overview Guidelines – Doctors Guidelines for ME/CFS & FMS (hard copies available from the society.)
• ME/CFS/FMS Brochure – general information for interested parties
• Quarterly Journal for members–including local reports, personal stories, and world wide research
• Service Directory for members – Directory of services available to people with ME/CFS & FMS in the ACT
• General Booklets for members - eg “How to communicate with your doctor” & “Coping with CFS”
• Youth Brochure- Information for young people
• Information Kit for Schools and Young people
• Chameleon Newsletter on CD Rom - includes articles on a variety of relevant topics
• Written material provided from our support group speakers each month
• Library - We have an up to date library at the SHOUT Office with books, medical literature and newsletters from other Societies

Further activities will depend on people helping us with ideas, support and participation. We are always happy to hear from those who want to get involved.

The Society has government funding for its Empowerment Project .

The Society is a part of a loose federation of State Societies Australia-wide. It has one board member on the ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association of Australia Limited.The ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association of Australia Limited.

 This article by our founder explains how the Society got started in 1983.

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