We are the ME Association’s frontline support service
We understand ME/CFS, Long COVID & PVFS
Call our freephone support line
Email us
for support, information & signposting
Join ME Connected
Our online community on Discord
Time to Talk
With Rev. Neil Barrett (Chaplaincy)
Testimonials
Volunteers for ME Connect
Please note ME Connect support line currently has a waiting list for volunteers – we want to thank everybody who has so kindly expressed their interest in joining the wonderful team who are passionate and committed to providing an exceptional service.
Please do contact Katharine Leat, Head of Support Services on katharine.leat@meassociation.org.uk
with any questions you may have.
We will advertise on this page when we need more volunteers.
ME Connect freephone support line
Support Line
Freephone: 0808 801 0484
Monday – Friday: 10am-5pm
Thursday: late night until 9pm
Saturday: 10am-12noon
When you contact ME Connect…
We will:
- Believe you without judgement
- Give you emotional support
- Provide information leaflets written by experts
- Signpost to relevant organisations
- Help you reach informed decisions
We cannot:
- Give you medical advice
- Diagnose you
- Provide mental health care or counselling
- Provide advocacy or casework
- Make decisions for you
or tell you what to do
When you call you will speak directly with someone who will support you, with care and in confidence. We provide information, signposting and support. We do not judge, offer opinions or tell you what to do. We’re here for you.
Notice: We understand that living with illness can cause feelings of frustration and desperation, even anger. We are here to support you however you are feeling but our staff and volunteers should not be subjected to aggression or abuse. We reserve the right to end the call if this takes place.
Here to listen
We are here to listen, validate and empathise with any issues you might be facing
Vital support
We are here to help you reach an informed decision
Safe environment
We provide a safe, confidential, and understanding environment where you can be heard and understood.
Email support
Email us for support, information & signposting
ME Connect aims to reply to all emails within a week. However, we are a small team, so we apologise if our reply takes a little longer.
Free information and resources are available via ME Association’s Free Literature and Medical Matters webpages.
For urgent emotional support, please call Samaritans on 116 123 (open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year).
ME Connected Discord Community
Have you tried our online Discord community?
ME Connected, our online community, now has over 1300 members and is a warm space to make connections! We have over 50 channels to get involved with, so you can discuss your symptoms, seek emotional support, but also engage in fun topics, such as posting pictures of your beloved pets or craft projects.
“ I am grateful that I found this Discord. No matter what mood, problem, issue, state that I arrive in – someone is always there to encourage, support, empathise, advise, laugh, validate. I want to thank you. I only wish I had found it sooner!” – User feedback
Time to Talk – With Rev. Neil Barrett (Chaplaincy)
ME Connect is delighted to offer additional support through ‘Time to Talk’ with the Rev. Neil Barrett who is generously volunteering his time. This offer is open to all.
‘ME/CFS & Long COVID can be isolating conditions with a wide range of emotions attached to them. Often the people around sufferers find it difficult to understand and those suffering can find it difficult to express how they are feeling. Both can often lead to more frustration and anxiety. And many people feel abandoned by society physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Therefore, I am offering the opportunity of a conversation online, where you can just be. Where you can share how you are feeling with no judgement or pressure to feel anything other than what you feel in that moment or to be anyone other than who you are. A space just for you, where you are valued and understood.’
Rev. Neil Barrett
Contact ‘Time to Talk'
If you would like a 30 minute Zoom call with Neil, please email katharine.leat@meassociation.org.uk and we will get back to you to arrange an appointment.
ME Connect Resources
Quick Links
This resources section contains a selection of free literature published by The ME Association, along with contact details for external organisations that may be able to provide support and information.
Neither The ME Association nor ME Connect can recommend specific services or organisations or accept responsibility for the accuracy or suitability of any services or organisations listed here. Individuals should make their own enquiries about the suitability, professional qualifications and relevant ME-related experience (where applicable) of any provider of services or treatments. Please also check any fees or costs before proceeding.
Mental Health Support Signposting
We understand that some individuals with ME will be living with mental health conditions and that the debilitating effects of ME can have an adverse effect on mental health too. This mental health support signposting section contains contact details for external organisations that may be able to provide support.
Neither The ME Association nor ME Connect can recommend specific services or organisations or accept responsibility for the accuracy or suitability of any services or organisations listed here. Individuals should make their own enquiries about the suitability, professional qualifications and relevant ME-related experience (where applicable) of any provider of services or treatments. Please also check any fees or costs before proceeding.