ME Connect Phone Line
ME Connect phone line is currently running a limited service. Please accept our apologies that this is necessary until new volunteers complete their training. We are sorry if you are unable to speak to someone straight away. Please do call again.
0344 576 5326
Monday – Friday
10am-12noon 2-4pm 7-9pm
Saturday – Sunday
10am-12noon 7-9pm
ME CONNECT
The Support and information Service
FOR people affected by
ME/CFS/PVFS and Long Covid
0344 576 5326
365 days a YEar
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.
Testimonials
“Thank you so much for giving up your time to work on this Helpline. It is just so nice to speak to someone who really understands what I am going through.”
“It is really good that you offer this service, it is such a relief to speak to someone who understands.”
“I have worried about this problem for weeks but within 5 minutes you have given me the answer, thank you very much indeed.”
“Thank you, you have been an absolute angel.”
“Thank you so much, you have helped me get through the day.”
“I didn’t know where to turn, thank you for pointing me in the right direction.”
“I really needed someone to talk to, I feel so much better now. Thank you.”
The ME Association Chairman
“When you are ill with a chronic condition like PVFS, ME/CFS or Long Covid, there are many things you want to know. What treatments work, where can I find a doctor who understands me, where can I get reliable information to complete my benefits claim?
“It can be even more important to make contact with another person, someone who understands how these medical conditions affect everyday life and the many challenges they bring. Someone who will listen without judgment.
“The purpose of ME Connect is simple. It is here to support people affected by PVFS, ME/CFS, and Long Covid to help them make informed choices. It is here to listen, to validate, and empathise with any issues they might be facing.
“Every year, ME Connect does this for thousands of people. Of all the services the charity provides, it is ME Connect of which I am most proud. It is what I feel a charity should be all about; giving help to those who need it at a difficult time in their lives.
“Staff and volunteers provide this service every day. Why? Because they want to help. They want to give something back to people who are in a worse situation than they are. They want to make a contribution, and it can be a very rewarding experience.”
We are Members of the Helplines Partnership
The Partnership is committed to supporting organisations that provide non-face-to-face advice, support and information to improve general wellbeing and has being doing so for over 20 years.
They champion the interests of their members and help them to build sustainability and deliver the best service they can for their users.
ME Connect Telephone Helpline – Volunteers Needed.
If you have empathy, compassion and understanding for those living with ME; excellent communication skills and some time to spare, we would love to hear from you. Volunteers need a landline phone, good IT skills and full training will be provided. You will be part of a wonderful team who are passionate and committed to providing an exceptional service. Please do contact Katharine Leat, ME Connect Manager via katharine.leat@meassociation.org.uk to discuss this opportunity and ask any questions you may have.
ME Connect’s Manager
“'I understand‘…two of the most powerful words anyone living with ME can hear and so rarely do. Our volunteers provide desperately needed understanding, empathy and information to those who contact ME Connect.
Living with ME is challenging in so many ways, ME Connect aims to make those challenges more manageable and alleviate the feelings of isolation and confusion that so often occur.
As a volunteer with us you will be provided with training and support which will enable you to develop your own skills whilst delivering a unique service which helps so many people.
Thank you for your interest; I look forward to hearing from you.”
Katharine Leat
“The training you receive gives you the confidence to answer the calls.”
“I was given training which taught me to listen, really listen, to the people who call.“
“Realising that you can, in some small way, make a difference to someone’s life is very humbling and rewarding.”
“It goes without saying that helpline work is incredibly rewarding.”
Comments from ME Connect Volunteers
Please note
All communications are treated in the strictest of confidence. Please check your contract for charging details. Calls cost the same as other standard landline numbers (starting 01 or 02). If you have a call package for your landline or mobile phone then calls will normally come out of your inclusive minutes.
We are a small medical charity and we do not have the capacity to answer long or complex questions relating to medical management, DWP benefit disputes and legal problems. ME Connect provides information and support and, where appropriate, signposting to further sources of help or information.