Plant a Seed of Hope

Seeds of Hope logo with tulips and magnolias

Living with ME/CFS/Long Covid can feel frightening and uncertain. But you are not alone. There are so many people who see you and who really care about you.

Right now, there are researchers pouring their energy and determination into understanding the causes of ME/CFS/Long Covid, searching for answers and treatments that could change lives. Our advocates and carers working to ensure we all have equal access to specialist ME/CFS care that follows the latest NICE guidelines. Our ME Connect support line has people at the end of the phone ready to listen, believe you and support you.

Seeds of Hope is a reminder that even in the hardest times, something small can still grow. We won't pretend that everything will be easy, but what we can promise is this: you’re not alone.

How to take part

There is no single way to be part of Seeds of Hope. Whether you are at home, in bed, outdoors or online, your contribution is just as meaningful as anyone else's. Take part in whatever way feels right for you and at whatever pace feels manageable. But, as always, your health is paramount to us and we want you to take the utmost care. If taking part feels out of reach, please don't worry. You are thought of, you are cared for and you are every bit as much a part of this as anyone else. Simply being part of our community means you are part of Seeds of Hope too.

Grow a Seed of Hope

If you have a windowsill, a balcony or a garden, you can grow something of your own. Or if it helps, ask someone to plant a seed on your behalf.

Request a free seed pack and grow sunflowers or wildflowers through the season. You might choose to dedicate your flower to someone you love, someone you care for or someone you want to remember. You can share your progress with us if you'd like or simply enjoy watching something grow.

Please note: we're sadly unable to send seeds outside of England, Scotland and Wales but you can absolutely still join in! Simply pick up some sunflower or wildflower seeds locally and grow along with us.

Schools, workplaces and community groups are welcome to take part together too. Growing seeds as a group is a wonderful way to start conversations and show support for people living with ME/CFS/Long Covid.

Request your free fundraising seed pack

Packets of seeds will also be available to purchase from our website shop shortly.

open garden

Open your garden

If you have a garden, consider opening it up as a space for people to come together.

You could invite friends, neighbours or your local community for a couple of hours or a gentle afternoon. Keep it as simple as you like and do only what feels manageable. A cup of tea, cake and good company can go a long way, both for raising awareness and for reminding people that they are not on their own.

craft resources to download

Get crafty with Seeds of Hope

You don't need a garden or any particular energy to take part in this one.

Colour, draw or create something from wherever you are. Use our downloadable activity sheets or make something entirely your own. Add a word of hope if you'd like to. Display it in your window or share it with us and we'll include it in our online gallery.

There is no right way to do it. Just take a little time and make something that feels meaningful to you.

Download activity sheets:

Share your moment with nature

bees on a lavender plant

Nature has a way of finding us, even on the hardest days.

It might be the movement of clouds outside your window, a flower coming into bloom or the sound of birds or bees nearby. If you notice a moment like that, we'd love for you to capture it. Record a short clip and send it to us. No talking or editing needed, just a quiet moment, exactly as it is.

These small moments will come together to create a calm, shared video for the whole community.

By completing this form, you are providing The ME Association with permission to use your photos, videos or story in our communications. Thank you for your help.

We will keep this confidential as part of data protection, however as part of GDPR rules we need you to consent, and we will keep this contact email address on file in association with permission to use your story or photograph/s.
What will my submission be used for? (Please tick the options you are happy with)
You can choose to have your real name published with your content or remain anonymous:
Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 5 files.
Accepted file types jpg, jpeg, png, mpg, mov and wmv, size up to 15MB each.

Please read and agree to the following before submitting

I understand that my details and photographs/videos will be kept in a database.

I understand that I can request my data to be removed from the database, however I understand that the previous use of the media may not be able to be removed. This is because images/video used on social media or websites can be saved or shared elsewhere, and once this happens we are unable to access it.

I have read and understood the information above and I give permission for my submitted content to be used by The ME Association for the purposes outlined above.

Plant a Virtual Sunflower

You can also take part entirely online.

Visit our virtual sunflower garden, make a donation and plant a sunflower in honour of someone special. Add a name, a message or simply a word that feels right. As more people join in, the garden will grow into a shared space filled with stories, dedications and personal acts of hope and support.

Visit the virtual sunflower garden

Why it matters

Seeds of Hope is about helping people feel seen and less alone. It is about creating small moments of connection with others in what can sometimes feel like a very isolating time. Every pound raised helps fund vital research, support services and help for people living with ME/CFS/Long Covid. Your involvement, no matter what, is part of that.

Thank you!

Shopping Basket
Scroll to Top