Who we are
We are a charity committed to supporting people with the condition ME/CFS, their relatives and carers. We offer on-going support, helpful information and advice to our members. Most of our members live in Hampshire, from the following areas:
- Southampton
- Eastleigh and Winchester
- Fareham and Gosport
- Portsmouth and Southsea
- Havant, Hayling Island and Waterlooville
- New Forest
- Alton and North-East Hants
- Basingstoke
- Isle of Wight
What we do
We put members in touch with one another to help reduce the feelings of loneliness and isolation and to enable them to accept and manage the condition, working towards better health. Members can do so via our private Facebook Group, via our members-only area of the website, and through events and meet-ups.
Through our website, we also provide valuable resources on understand and managing ME/CFS.
Membership is open to those aged 16 years and above, including those whose ME is suspected but not yet diagnosed.
Our core values
We believe that our core values reflect what is needed for people with ME, and we model these values for those that join us and support us. Our core values also underpin how we interact with each other, and our members.
Our history
A small group of us came together in 2002 to establish social interaction and support for people affected by ME within Hampshire, which at the time was virtually non-existent. We started with support groups in Southampton and Fareham, and became a registered charity in early 2004. Gradually over time, we established local groups in various other areas of the county. In 2007, we started our Facebook Group.
As outlined in the Welcome Page, the group provided a wide range of services in the past. In recent times, particularly since Covid-19, we have found there has been less call for the more traditional services. Attendances at local group meetings also noticeably declined. We therefore took the decision to focus primarily on facilitating mutual support and friendship among our members, though this does include the provision of some meet-ups in specific areas. We are also looking into making Zoom meetings available if there is enough interest.
If demand for other services becomes apparent and, crucially, if we can muster enough volunteers, we would be open to expanding the scope of Hampshire Friends with M.E. again. If you feel you could help us and would like to volunteer, please contact our Membership Secretary (membership@friendswithme.org.uk).