A member of the Healthcare Team and the ME Connect Team was pleased to meet with a Diversity and Inclusion representative from the Department for Education (DfE), who approached us following a personal experience of ME and a desire to raise awareness within their office. The discussion explored the significant challenges faced by children and young people with ME, alongside the barriers experienced by adults in the workplace. In education, these include attendance pressures, misinterpretations of safeguarding, misattribution of mental health, gaps in reasonable adjustments and exam access arrangements, and difficulties securing appropriate alternative provision.
We emphasised that ME, as a hidden illness, is an inclusion issue and is frequently misunderstood. In the workplace, this can result in limited awareness of fluctuating symptoms, inadequate adjustments and a lack of knowledge among employers in how best to support staff. There is a clear need for improved policy guidance, greater professional understanding, and increased awareness to prevent avoidable harm and ensure equitable access to education and employment.
Following this discussion, the MEA have agreed to present to the wider local DfE team in April.