NHS survey link
27 July 2011
A summary of recent M.E. related stories in the news. Headlines appearing in the media as dated.
Benefits tests ineffective and unfair, says TUC
Official figures have been released showing more than two thirds of those seeking to claim employment support allowance are found to be fit for work, or drop their claim before taking the government's fitness-for-work test. However, Brendan Barber, the TUC general secretary, said, “The new incapacity benefit assessment is a much tougher test than previously and is designed to save the government money by excluding more people. It is therefore unsurprising that more disabled people have been declared fit for work. These figures certainly don't suggest that thousands of disabled people are suddenly 'trying it on'. The TUC has heard from disabled people all around the UK who feel the tests have been unfair and ineffective, and it is interesting to see that 39% of appeals against initial judgments are successful."
Guardian, online
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/jul/26/employment-allowance-test-discriminates-disabled
27/07/11
M.E. services survey
In a letter to the editor, Action for M.E.’s Sir Peter Spencer asks local people who have used specialist NHS CFS/M.E. services to complete the charity’s survey* by 12 August.
Jersey Evening Post, p 16
25/07/11
*NB. InterAction readers – this survey may be found on pp 13-14 of your summer issue
As above
Oldham Evening Chronicle, p 8
25/07/11
Plymouth Independent, p 8
24/07/11
Observer, Royal Borough (Windsor & Maidenhead), p 2
22/07/11
Slough & South Bucks Observer, p 2
22/07/11
Ashby Times, p 17
22/07/11
Cornish Times, p 17
22/07/11
Thanks for raising £660 to help people with M.E.
Lochaber PVFS/CFS/M.E. Support Network has thanked the local community after raising more than £660 at a music night on Saturday 23 July. The money will go towards a new website to give support and information to members and health professionals.
Aberdeen Press & Journal, p 4
27/04/11
Relapse left me unable to leave the house
Kylie Martin recovered from the M.E. she was diagnosed with as a teenager, but in 2006 a relapse left her unable to leave the house. She was eventually dismissed from her job because of all her time off. The support of a local charity, the Salus Fatigue Society in Sutton, and a new-found love of photography, are helping Kylie recover.
Sutton Coldfield Observer, p 4
22/07/11
Lightning Process helped me recover
Margaret Hurley had M.E. for 20 years, which led to her suffering from depression. She says she used the Lightning Process to help her recover.
Jersey Evening Post, p 20
23/07/11
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The information contained within each press summary is provided for your personal information only. It does not necessarily reflect the views of Action for M.E.
