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The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
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M.E Support Northern Ireland

  • Status

    Received: on time

  • Income

    £7.6K

  • Spending

    £7.5K

Charity no. 104006 Date registered. 17/11/2015

Public benefits

In relation to objects A.B,C and F, the direct benefit which flows from advancing education and promoting awareness is that a culture is developed whereby M.E is appreciated as a real physical illness in N.I. Providing financial assistance, research and study into the causes, prevention and treatment of M.E. and related conditions and the

dissemination of the useful results of such research, working with the public, statutory agencies, carers and healthcare providers ensures they are better informed of M.E. issues. This leads to an increased awareness of how to treat people and children with M.E. People affected by M E and the wider caring circle will generate mutual support, feel more informed,less isolated or marginalized leading to improved self-esteem, confidence and conditions of life. In addition, ME support NI increase awareness and relieve distress by assisting M.E sufferers with financial guidance & support through the provision of advocacy, training, support groups, listening and advice Benefits can be demonstrated through direct and indirect feedback with the beneficiaries and their families Attendance at meetings particularly when M.E is such a debilitating illness making attendance very difficult demonstrates the positive impact that sufferers get from meetings. The numbers are continually increasing giving the M.E community in N.I an opportunity to meet fellow sufferers providing mutual support for each other and guidance with regards managing illness. Also verbal feedback is continually given from members which is usually very affirmative. Also meeting are frequently attended by different experts in various health care areas discussing health problems associated with M E. These sessions have been described as in valuable by ME community. In relation to object D, the direct benefit which flows from the relief of suffering is M E support NI working with health care professionals ensures the health care system supports sufferers to provide appropriate care pathways. M.E is a very debilitating illness and can be very chronic, patients benefit by meeting fellow sufferers which gives an opportunity to provide mutual support, guidance and encouragement to each other. The direct benefit is improved wellbeing, which enhances their ability to make choices, be more in control of their lives and manage their illness. Benefits can be evidenced through direct and indirect feedback from the beneficiaries and their families. Advocating government and various health care professionals is achieved in many ways although it is frequently done through workshops organised by HSCB. M.E support has been involved with PCC for the last year trying to bring forward consultant led service for the M E community in N I; while progress is slow M.E support N.I is constantly putting needs of M E sufferers into medical and political arena. With regards the implementation and success of care packages the social worker attached to M.E SUPPORT N,I liaises directly with social services requesting full and comprehensive assessments for individual sufferers. When the referral has been put through various multidisplinaries e.g. occupational therapy, physio g.ps became involved in an effort to provide appropriate care pathways. Feedback is on a continual basis from all involved and effectiveness is measured by the amount of practical support which is provided and families stating the huge difference this has made in their very difficult lives While the main benefit will primarily focus on our charitable purpose above, from time to time we may want to focus in on other purposes, as our trustees may identify need. We have chosen this purpose so that we will not be restricted in who we help and what programmes we develop over time. We recognise that it must be for one of the twelve charitable purposes as outlined in the Charities Act. There is no harm flowing from these purposes. Any private benefit is incidental

What your organisation does

ME Support NI is a Charity which provides information, support and practical advice for people (including children), families and carers affected by M.E (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) and advocates on their behalf. We aim to improve the lives of children, young people and adults affected by this devastating neurological illness by lobbying for

services such as a Consultant led Specialist M.E. Clinic supported by a Multi- Disciplinary team all of which are underpinned by expert knowledge of M.E. We strive to work with our Universities to ensure our Medical and Nursing student’s education and training incorporates the latest Bio- Medical research on ME. We are working to ensure our GP’s receive the appropriate training on ME in order to correctly diagnose ME using the Canadian Consensus Criteria, to support patients and advise on appropriate management. We aim to educate and advise Health Professionals, Educationalists and interested parties regarding the challenges of those suffering from M.E and raise awareness within N Ireland. How We run monthly support group meetings to provide clients with help, advice and emotional support. At our meetings we often have specialist speakers, speaking on various topics related to health, benefits advice, disability support and education. We also raise awareness of M. E. By participating in workshops, events in Schools, Disability Action Exhibition, Rare Disease Partnership to name but a few. We also continue to lobby the Government and the Department of Health and the Health Service Commission Board in N Ireland on behalf of those suffering with M.E. We provide literature and guidance to those interested in learning more about M.E.

The charity’s classifications

  • The advancement of health or the saving of lives
  • The advancement of human rights, conflict resolution or reconciliation or the promotion of religious or racial harmony or equality and diversity
  • The relief of those in need by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage

Who the charity helps

  • Carers
  • Parents
  • Physical disabilities

How the charity works

  • Advice/advocacy/information
  • Counselling/support
  • Disability
  • Education/training

Charity accounts & reports for financial year end 31 December 2024

Independent examiners report Charity accounts Trustee annual report

Charity accounts & reports for financial year end 31 December 2023

Independent examiners report Charity accounts Trustee annual report

Charity accounts & reports for financial year end 31 December 2022

Independent examiners report Charity accounts Trustee annual report

Charitable purposes

a. The Association is established with the AIM of relieving the sickness and suffering of, and to promote, protect and preserve the health and wellbeing of people who have or have had a diagnosis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (hereinafter referred to as ME) and its related conditions (hereinafter referred to included in the abbreviation “ME”) and their families and carers. (Those experiencing ME, and their families and carers will hereinafter be referred to as beneficiaries). b. The Association will promote equality of opportunity in line with equality legislation where possible (subject to financial resource / capacity / geographical spread) or legally or contractually required, by addressing the pre-existing disadvantage experienced by those who have ME and by targeting actions, resources and finances at this group in line with equal opportunities legislation.

Governing document

Constitution

Other name

MESNI
  • 8 Trustees
  • 0 Employees
  • 0 Volunteers

Contact details

Public address

  • David Christie, Conway Mill, 5-7 Coway Street, Belfast, Belfast, BT13 2DE

Trustee board

Trustee
Mr David Christie
Jeanette Marley
Mrs Antoinette Christie
Mrs Anne Smyth Vice-Char
Ms Mary Mernagh
Mr Micheal Edgar
Ms Alana Gallagher
Ms Siobhan Mccallin

List of regions

  • In Northern Ireland