The ME Association has been providing expert help since 1980. We understand the challenges faced by people with ME/CFS and Long Covid and believe that nobody should struggle alone.

We estimate that at least 404,000 people in the UK have ME/CFS. In addition, 950,000 people unable to recover from a Covid infection could meet the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS. This could mean that 1,350,000 adults and children in the UK are affected by ME/CFS. It represents a very real health crisis, and we are determined to improve the healthcare that people receive.

These can be life-changing and indiscriminate medical conditions that prevent adults and children from functioning normally. They prevent or restrict the ability to work or go to school, and inevitably lead to a lower quality of life. ME/CFS and Long Covid share many symptoms in common but also some differences.

Up to 50 per cent of people with Long Covid are now believed to meet the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS. There are no effective drug treatments at this time, but convalescence and appropriate self-management can help stabilise and improve functional ability. While complete recovery from ME/CFS is rare, we don’t yet know enough about the prognosis for people with Long Covid.

What do we do:

We provide support and information via ‘ME Connect' which offers a telephone helpline (365 days a year), email, and social media messaging.

We have the most extensive range of medical literature written by Dr Charles Shepherd and other topic experts – available to read and download.

The ‘Medical Matters' section of the website has a substantial index of expert responses to a whole range of topical and relevant questions.

Many people find they need to rely on Government benefits and we have specialists who provide advice on the latest changes to the rules and how to navigate this complex area.