28 July 2011
A summary of recent M.E. related stories in the news. Headlines appearing in the media as dated.
Benefits assessments driven by cost cutting
Jeremy Vine talks to Disability rights campaigner and Disabled People's Direct Action Network co-founder Barbara Lisicki and Oliver Heald, Conservative MP for North East Hertfordshire and a member of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, about Government figures that claim the majority of incapacity benefit claimants are assessed as fit to work in its new test. There are also contributions from a number of claimants who say the process is seriously flawed, and driven by saving money, not helping disabled people.
BBC Radio 2, 12.08pm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b012r9lt
27/07/11
Clear need for further research into M.E./CFS
M.E./CFS is a not a psychological illness, says consultant paediatrician and medical adviser to the Sussex & Kent M.E./CFS Society, Dr Esther Crawley, in an interview that also features a young lady who is housebound with the illness. There is a clear need for further research into the condition.
BBC One, South Today, 6.30pm
Unfortunately this programme is not available on BBC iPlayer
22/07/11
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.
Swindon Advertiser, online
http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/yoursay/swindonletters/9162994.Time_the_politicians_paid_attention_to_us/
27/07/11
*NB. InterAction readers – this survey may be found on pp 13-14 of your summer issue
Coalville Times, p 17
22/07/11
Swadlincote Times, p 17
22/07/11
Durham Times, p 22-23
22/07/11
Royston Crow, p 14
21/07/11
Succesful fundraiser for Tameside group
Tameside Fibromyalgia and CFS Support group held its fundraising launch night at Stalybridge Labour Club, 14 July, making more than £600. More more information, see www.tamesidefibromyalgia.co.uk.
Tameside Reporter, p 16
21/07/11
Things you can do from bed
Toni Bernhard, who has M.E., gathers together suggestions she received in response to her article, Things you can do from the bed. This list of “creative and inspiring ideas” includes virtual stargazing, embroidery, Sudoku puzzles, internet activism and photography.
Psychology Today, online
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/turning-straw-gold/201107/things-you-can-do-the-bed-revisited-ideas-readershttp://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/turning-straw-gold/201107/things-you-can-do-the-bed-revisited-ideas-readers
19/07/11
Eco charity chose Amy as face of new project
Teenager Amy Robertson, who has CFS, has been selected by environmental charity Roots & Shoots to lead a series of environmental projects across UK universities.
Tuesday Inverness Courier, p8
26/07/11
NB. Some articles may only be available online through payment of a subscription. Unfortunately Action for M.E. is prevented by copyright law from reproducing such articles in full or in extract.
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.
