Friends with Me

Living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is an incredibly challenging journey, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our community is here to offer support, understanding, and friendship to those in Liverpool affected by ME. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been navigating this path for years, we’re here to walk alongside you.

A digital illustration featuring a diverse and inclusive group of people, including individuals using wheelchairs, mobility aids, and guide dogs, standing together in front of a stylized Liverpool city skyline. The background is a soft lavender shade, and bold white text at the top reads "FRIENDS WITH ME." The illustration represents unity, community, and support for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E)

Why We’re Here

Our mission is simple: to make a difference in the lives of those living with ME. This community was created to provide a private, safe space for sharing experiences, offering support, and finding a sense of belonging. We believe that together, we can find strength, understanding, and hope.

Get Involved – At Your Own Pace

We understand that living with ME can be unpredictable, which is why all of our activities are designed with flexibility in mind. You can participate as much or as little as you feel able.

Upcoming Initiatives:

  • Coffee Mornings: A relaxed, friendly atmosphere to connect, chat, and share experiences over a warm cup of tea or coffee.
  • Days of Action: Join us in making a difference, whether it’s raising awareness or participating in community events.
  • Day Trips & Socials: When energy levels allow, we organize gentle outings to enjoy a change of scenery and social interaction.

Your Voice Matters

This isn’t just my vision – it’s ours. I want this group to reflect the needs and ideas of everyone involved. Have an idea for an event, social, or way to raise awareness? I would love for you to share it! Whether it’s through our Facebook group or at one of our gatherings, your input is invaluable.

Stay Connected

Join our online community on Facebook to stay updated on upcoming events, share your experiences, and connect with others who truly understand.

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re living with ME in Liverpool, we’d love to have you join our community. Together, we can find strength, hope, and a sense of belonging

Join our Facebook group

Email Alisha 

@friendswithme

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making a difference

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An illustrated poster promoting the ME Pyjama Party, featuring diverse characters in fun animal onesies and pyjamas. The text encourages people to wear PJs for ME Awareness Week and Severe ME Day, sharing photos on social media using #MEPJPARTY

The ME Pyjama Party

Get comfy for a cause! The ME Pyjama Party is a powerful yet simple way to raise awareness for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). During ME Awareness Week and Severe ME Day, we’re inviting you to wear your pyjamas in solidarity with those who are bed-bound due to this debilitating illness. How to Join: ✔ Take a picture in your PJs ✔ Post it on social media using #MEPJPARTY ✔ Tag friends & spread the message!

An illustrated image of a diverse group of family members and caregivers sitting together, representing the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Carer Community. The text above them highlights the supportive network for those caring for ME sufferers.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Carer Community

Caring for someone with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) can be challenging, but you are not alone. 💙 Join the ME Carer Community—a safe space for support, advice, and connection. Let's uplift one another. 🤝 #MECarers #ChronicIllnessSupport #YouAreNotAlone

A digital illustration of Alisha Whittam lying on a bed, smiling alongside her two black Labradors, Alfie and Archie. One dog is sitting happily while the other is sleeping. The image features the Alisha Whittam YouTube branding in the corner

My Youtube Channel

Welcome to my world! 💙 Join me, Alfie & Archie, as we navigate life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, share our favourite moments, and spread positivity. Subscribe for real-life stories, disability awareness, and lots of dog love! 🐶✨ #AlishaWhittam #LifeWithME #BlackLabs

Building a Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Community

Building a community for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) that is run by individuals living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis themselves holds immense potential for several compelling reasons:

Empowerment through Shared Experience:

Building a community for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) that is run by individuals living with ME themselves holds immense potential for several compelling reasons: Empowerment through Shared Experience: Individuals with ME often feel isolated due to the misunderstood nature of the illness. A Myalgic Encephalomyelitis community led by those who understand the daily struggles firsthand can create a safe space where members feel understood, validated, and empowered by sharing their experiences with others who truly comprehend their challenges.

Tailored Support and Resources

People with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis have unique needs and limitations that may not be fully understood by those without the condition. A Myalgic Encephalomyelitis community run by individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis can provide tailored support, advice, and resources that address the specific concerns and realities of living with this illness. From practical tips for managing symptoms to emotional support during difficult times, the community can offer invaluable assistance

Advocacy and Awareness

Having a Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Community led by individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis can serve as a powerful platform for advocacy and raising awareness about the condition. By sharing personal stories, educating others about the impact of ME, and advocating for improved research, treatment, and support services, the community can contribute to greater understanding and recognition of the challenges faced by those living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

Sense of Belonging and Community

Sense of Belonging and Community: Building a Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Community where individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis are at the forefront fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity among its members. It provides an opportunity for individuals to connect with others who share similar experiences, interests, and goals, creating a supportive network of mutual understanding and camaraderie.

Ownership and Leadership

By being led by individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, the community promotes a sense of ownership and leadership among its members. This fosters a collaborative environment where everyone has a voice and can contribute to shaping the direction and initiatives of the community, ensuring that it remains relevant, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of its members.

Why this is so important

A Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Community for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis that is run by individuals living with the condition has the potential to be a transformative force, offering support, empowerment, advocacy, and a sense of belonging to its members while also driving positive change in the broader understanding and treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

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What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

According to the NHS Website, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptom is extreme tiredness

For more information please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-cfs/

People with ME/CFS have fatigue that is very different from just being tired. The fatigue of ME/CFS:

  • Can be severe.
  • Is not a result of unusually difficult activity.
  • Is not relieved by sleep or rest.
  • Was not a problem before becoming ill (not life-long)

Worsening of ME/CFS symptoms after physical or mental activity that would not have caused a problem before illness. This is known as post-exertional malaise (PEM).

Sleep problems.

Many but not all people with ME/CFS have other symptoms.

Pain is very common in people with ME/CFS. The type of pain, where it occurs, and how bad it is varies a lot. The pain people with ME/CFS feel is not caused by an injury. The most common types of pain in ME/CFS are:

  • Muscle pain and aches
  • Joint pain without swelling or redness
  • Headaches, either new or worsening

Some people with ME/CFS may also have:

  • Tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
  • A sore throat that happens often
  • Digestive issues, like irritable bowel syndrome
  • Chills and night sweats
  • Allergies and sensitivities to foods, odors, chemicals, light, or noise
  • Muscle weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Irregular heartbeat
Information is taken from The CDC Website https://www.cdc.gov/me-cfs/symptoms-diagnosis/symptoms

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis does not have a cure.

Find a Dr or Consultant who listens to you is the first step

It is a manageable condition and depending on the severity of your symptoms the more difficult this can become.

I advise learning to listen to your body and what it is telling you. If you feel tired rest and if you feel pain find a solution to reduce that pain, this could be through pain medication prescribed by your Dr.

I am not saying that finding a Dr who listens or listening to your body is going to be easy as this illness is incredibly complex for some and manageable for others.

Having a Dr who listens to you or reads about the latest drug that sufferers are recommending can take a lot of unnecessary stress and anxiety from the sufferer.

It would be best for me to point you to the above question What is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis? 

Most pages list the illness as ME/CFS or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or sometimes even Systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID).

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