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We are providing a new and improved service from February 1st 2025.
We're here for you…
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.
Health Crisis
We estimate that at least 250,000 people in the UK have ME/CFS. In addition, a significant but unknown number of people diagnosed with some form of Long Covid also meet diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS. It represents a very real health crisis.
Based on past epidemiological research evidence we estimated that at least 250,000 people had ME/CFS in the UK. This figure is likely to be a significant under-estimate as a result of some people having remained undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, and more recently with people developing ME/CFS after catching Covid-19.
Research evidence also indicates that around 50% of people with some form of Long Covid (currently around 2 million in the UK) meet diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS. We are currently reviewing all the research evidence with a view to producing a new estimate that is still evidence-based and would be accepted by organisations such as NHS England.
More information
PVFS = Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome.
ME = Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Encephalopathy.
CFS = Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Long Covid = Post-Covid Syndrome.
Changing attitudes and improving lives…
The Latest News
The MEA attended the Clinical Post Covid Society Conference in Birmingham on Wednesday
NIHR evidence review and map of research activity involving ME/CFS
University of Surrey: Study finds long Covid patients feel pressure to prove their illness is real
Survey Results: ME/CFS Diagnosis Pre & Post 2021 NICE Guideline
MEA Signs Long Covid Kids Open Letter to The Rt Hon Wes Streeting and Ashley Dalton MP
Science Norway: Almost no ME/CFS patients return to work
Irish ME/CFS Association: 3,600 information packs to be sent to Irish GPs
The ME Association fervently refutes the psychosomatic model of causation applies to ME/CFS or indeed Long Covid
Guardian: Councils and NHS could face millions in extra costs due to disability benefit cuts
Student Research: To what extent do Long Covid patients perceive the treatment available appropriate?
Please support us in this weekend's ‘Movement for Good' £1,000 draw
Jack takes some beach time out to recover from foot injury
PhD student determined to make a difference runs for us in London Landmarks Half
The ME Association signs Carers UK open letter regarding Carers Allowance Overpayments
Could this be the biggest concert for ME charities there's ever been?
Key Announcements: MP Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for DWP confirms the government plans on welfare reform
Health Expectations: Under-Served Groups and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Research Workshop; Multiple Barriers to Effective Healthcare, Research and Public Participation
The ME Association signs Scope's open letter to the chancellor regarding welfare cuts
Frontiers: Dysregulation of lipid metabolism, energy production, and oxidative stress in ME/CFS, Gulf War Syndrome and fibromyalgia
Long Covid Support: Vital Long Covid Services Closing Across the UK Despite Ongoing Need, New Research Warns
More News >>
The Real M.E. Campaign
People with M.E. and Long Covid are demonstrating they possess the confidence to be seen and are raising more awareness than ever before.
We began the campaign in 2018 and featuring images of ‘real' people has had a very positive impact!
