Welcome to ME/CFS Support (BOP) Inc. serving those in the Western and Eastern Bay of Plenty who have the illness Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

VISION

To improve the quality of life of people with ME/CFS, their care givers and family/whanau.

MISSION STATEMENT

• To provide medical health and general support facilities for residents of the Bay of Plenty with the illness Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, their caregivers and family/whanau.
• To advance the wellbeing and support of such people.
• To provide education in the cause of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

We offer advice, assistance and general support to members, their caregivers and family/whanau:

• To understand ME/CFS
• To accept the illness
• To learn how best to manage it.

Our services include:

• Field officers in Tauranga and Whakatane
• Newsletter
• Library in Tauranga office

Regular activities are:

Tauranga -

• Support meeting on the second Wednesday of the month

Mt Maunganui -

• Coffee morning on last Monday of the month

Katikati/Waihi -

Ph: Tina  -   (07) 578 7804 for details

Te Puke -

Ph:  Tina  -  (07) 578-7804 for details.

Whakatane -

• Support meeting on the last Monday of the month

Ph: Alison  -  (07) 307 1447 for details

AN INTRODUCTION TO ME/CFS

What is ME/CFS?

ME (Myalgic encephalomyelitis) is also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  It is a long-term illness that causes significant, sometimes profound disability, affecting many body systems and their functions, particularly the immune, endocrine and nervous systems.  ME has been classified by the World Health Organisation as a neurological condition since 1969 (ICD G93.3).  The illness can cause extreme fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance and problems with memory and concentration.

Depression often occurs at some stage during the illness, but it is as a result of the illness, rather than the cause. (See below for other symptoms). ME/CFS places a substantial burden on people with the illness, their families, carers and society.