The Ability Alliance

The Ability Alliance is a disability support community in the UK, created to empower disabled people and carers through connection, resources, and real-life experiences. Whether you live with an invisible illness, face daily access challenges, or want to feel less alone on your journey, you’re welcome here.

From honest product reviews to practical guides on UK disability rights and benefits, we’re building a space where ability shines through – and everyone is valued.

A colourful digital illustration featuring diverse individuals with disabilities, including people using wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, mobility aids, guide dogs, and other adaptive tools. The text "THE ABILITY ALLIANCE" is displayed across the centre in bold, pastel lettering on a pink banner. The background consists of alternating pastel blue and green panels, creating a vibrant and inclusive representation of disability empowerment

Introduction and Mission Statement

We believe that every person deserves to live a life without barriers, and we’re here to help make that a reality.

Why This is Important to Me

Living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Endometriosis, Steatohepatitis, and De Quervain’s Syndrome, I have faced countless challenges that many people don’t see. I know first-hand how isolating and difficult life can be with an invisible disability. This journey has been my biggest fight, but it’s also been my greatest teacher. It has taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of community. The Ability Alliance was born from my desire to make a difference, to give others the support and information I wish I had when my life changed so drastically.

What We Aim to Do

The Ability Alliance is here to:

  • Raise awareness about visible and invisible disabilities.

  • Provide information about disability legislation and rights.

  • Offer guidance on financial benefits and eligibility.

  • Highlight schemes like the Access Card and Purpl, designed to improve accessibility.

  • Share resources about services that cater to disabled people, including companies that offer home visits for those who can’t get to stores.

  • Visit places and review their accessibility.

  • Test products designed to help people with disabilities and provide honest feedback.

Legislation and Financial Support

We aim to simplify complex legislation and provide clear information on the financial benefits available to disabled individuals. This includes eligibility criteria and how to apply for support.

Accessibility Reviews and Product Testing

We will visit places to give honest opinions as disabled users, highlighting accessibility features and areas for improvement. Additionally, we will try out products designed to help people with disabilities, ensuring they do what they promise and sharing unbiased reviews.

Community and Empowerment

The Ability Alliance is more than just a resource hub—it’s a community. We want to build a space where people feel supported, understood, and empowered. We encourage everyone to share their experiences and ideas, fostering a community that advocates for change and mutual support.

Join us on this journey to break down barriers and create a more inclusive world.

If you need help please reach out through our Contact page 

My Story is not unique

Life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is hard, before I was diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis symptoms I worked full time as well as also being a Wife & Mother. 

My life is really tough but that is why I have to share my story with the world. Living every day with this debilitating illness makes me even more determined to raise awareness of how life-changing life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis symptoms is. People and medical professionals need to see the real side of life with a chronic illness so that we can begin to change whatever prehistoric preconceived ideas that exist in today’s society.

A digital illustration titled 'Things That Help Me Feel Better on a Bad ME Day.' It features six comforting activities represented by cute illustrations: taking a bath (a woman in a tub), wearing clean pyjamas (a person in blue PJs), warming up with cozy socks, getting lots of rest (a comfy bed), getting comfortable (pillows), and cuddling a black Labrador (Alfie). The background has soft clouds, and the design has a warm and calming aesthetic

@theabiilityalliance

Recent blogs

This journey taught me the power of resilience and I hope that by sharing my experiences good and bad I can raise awareness and offer support to those facing similar challenges.

Digital illustration featuring a woman sitting alone on the floor with her knees drawn up, wearing a muted blue sweater and brown trousers. The image conveys sadness and isolation. Above her, the blog title reads: “The Invisible Struggle: Loneliness and Chronic Illness – Insights From A Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Sufferer.

The Invisible Struggle: Loneliness and Chronic Illness – Insights from a Myalgic Encephalomyelitis sufferer.

Living with a chronic health condition like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) can be an isolating experience, often leaving individuals feeling unseen and unheard. The invisible nature of ME compounds the already challenging journey, leading to profound feelings of loneliness and isolation
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A woman in a wheelchair faces the Eiffel Tower, celebrating International Wheelchair Day on 1st March 2024.

What is International Wheelchair Day and Why It Matters

International Wheelchair Day, celebrated every 1st March, is a powerful reminder of the freedom, independence, and inclusion that wheelchairs bring to millions of people around the world. In this post, we explore why this day matters, the challenges wheelchair users
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Pink graphic showing various names for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, including ME, ME/CFS, SEID, and Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus Syndrome, with an illustration of a skeleton and the phrase "affects the whole of me.

Understanding Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: A Deep Dive Into Life With a Complex Chronic Illness

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) is a life-changing chronic illness that affects millions worldwide. In this post, I share my own experience of living with severe ME, explain the symptoms and challenges, and offer support to anyone facing this condition. You are
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Matthew Street Festival

The Matthew Street Festival is back for 2024 and will be held at the Famous Pier Head
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Graphic with bold title “IMPORTANT – I Need Your Help!” asking people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) in Liverpool, Southport, Wirral, and Chester to share their experiences. Includes an email address for contact and illustrations of a megaphone and a woman in a wheelchair holding a flag.

Calling All ME/CFS Sufferers in Liverpool & Surrounding Areas: Your Voice Is Needed!

Are you living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) in Liverpool, Southport, Wirral, or Chester? I’m collecting personal stories to highlight the gaps in care across Merseyside and push for better support. This is a confidential, community-led project — your voice could
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Pink figure sitting with arms wrapped around knees next to the words “You are not alone in this” on a purple background — offering comfort and solidarity for those living with chronic illness or mental health struggles.

It’s Not Just Tiredness – Living with Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

t’s not just tiredness. It’s the kind of exhaustion that steals your ability to move, speak, or even think clearly. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis has taken so much from me — but I’m still here, sharing my truth in the hope that
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Latest Videos

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A Chaotic Christmas

We got a Puppy

A stylish YouTube thumbnail featuring a newly decorated bedroom with soft grey and white tones, plush cushions, and decorative lighting. The text overlay reads "Bedroom Makeover – Hubby Surprised Me!", hinting at a heartfelt transformation

Surprise Bedroom Makeover

A YouTube thumbnail featuring a rechargeable lint remover with a sleek white design, LED display, and multiple speed settings. The text highlights the 3-speed adjustment, Type-C charging, and 2500mAh battery, showcasing its key features.

The best rechargeable lint remover (and why you need one)

A playful YouTube thumbnail featuring a stylized illustration of a woman and her black Labrador sitting on a bed, with a basket of apples. The text reads "My Dog Loves Apples", surrounded by floating apples and a cute cartoon apple character.

My Dog loves apples - The uncut version

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

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Alisha on Social Media

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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