ABOUT THE ACT ME/CFS SOCIETY INC

The ACT ME/CFS Society is a volunteer, not for profit organisation which exists to give support and help to its members. It provides information about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) to members, medical practitioners and the public and also promotes research.

The ACT ME/CFS Society is 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. If you would like more information please email or phone 6290 1984 for an inquiry pack.

This article by the founder of the Society explains how the Society was formed in 1983.

WHAT WE OFFER

Support

• Self Management Course
  Learn practical strategies for coping with ME/CFS and FMS and how to develop your own individualised self management program.
  The course is available to both members and non members however bookings are essential.
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• Community Support Worker
  The Community Development Officer works on a part time basis and is available to provide support and information to both members and non members. Please email or phone 6290 1984 any time. If the line is not staffed, please leave a message and the Community Development Officer will get back to you as soon as possible.
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• Support Group
  Meetings are held once a month and all interested persons are welcome to attend. Come along to be informed and to meet other people with ME/CFS and FMS.
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• Telephone Information and Support Service (TISS) This service is run by volunteers who have or have experienced ME/CFS or FMS. TISS is available to both members and non members and offers support to callers from a friendly volunteer.
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• Coffee Mornings
  Monthly coffee mornings are small, informal gatherings for members to enjoy conversation and coffee.
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• Online Forum
  Contact other people with ME/CFS and FMS in the ACT region online thanks to the ME/CFS Society of NSW.
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• Library
  Books about ME/CFS and FMS and newsletters from other societies are available to members. The library is based at the SHOUT Office.
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Information and research

• Public Information Events
  These include seminars with visiting health practitioners such as Dr Nicole Phillips from Melbourne in 2009 and Dr Byron Hyde from The Nightingale Research Foundation, Canada in 2010.
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• Specialised Information Sessions
  Sessions are held for medical and allied health practitioners and complimentary medicine practitioners. Dr Mark Donohoe from Melbourne is scheduled to present to the ACT Division of General Practice later this year.
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• May Awareness Activities
  Fundraising activities and information sessions are held during May to raise awareness of ME/CFS and FMS.
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• Membership of ME/CFS Australia
  ME/CFS Australia is an affiliation of state and territory ME/CFS societies. It operates at the national level, approaching ME/CFS issues from the national perspective.
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• Fundraising for Alison Hunter Memorial Foundation (AHMF)
  This is the premier ME/CFS research foundation in Australia.

Publications

• What the Society Offers brochure
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• ME/CFS/FMS brochure – an overview of ME/CFS and FMS
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• And Students brochure – information for students and young people
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• Emerge - quarterly journal for members – including local reports, personal stories, the latest ME/CFS news and world wide research
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• Resource Guide for members- directory of services for people with ME/CFS and FMS in the ACT
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• General Booklets for members - Coping with ME/CFS and CFS and For Family and Friends
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• Canadian Overview Guidelines – A Clinical Case Definition and Guidelines for Medical Practitioners - ME/CFS and FMS. Copies are available from the Society.
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• The Patient’s Guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia - This book by Dr Bruce Campbell forms the basis of the Self Management Course. Copies are available from the Society.
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• Chameleon Newsletter on CD - includes articles on a variety of relevant topics. Copies are available from the Society.

Further activities will depend on people helping with ideas, support and participation.

We are always happy to hear from those who would like to be involved.

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