7 February 2012
A summary of recent M.E. related stories in the news. Headlines appearing in the media as dated.
Government spin blamed for rise in abuse
Six of the country’s biggest disability groups have warned that the Government’s focus on alleged fraud and over claiming to justify cuts in disability benefits has caused an increase in resentment and abuse directed at disabled people.
Scope, Mencap, Leonard Cheshire Disability, the National Autistic Society, Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB), and Disability Alliance primarily blame ministers and civil servants for repeatedly highlighting the supposed mass abuse of the disability benefits system, much of which is unfounded. They acknowledge that inflammatory media coverage has also played a role.
The Guardian, p 1 and online
06/02/12
Marathon fightback
Sportsman Phil Turner of Cawston, Norfolk, was diagnosed with M.E. six years ago, but has slowly worked on overcoming its symptoms enough to achieve a life-time goal of competing in the London Marathon. The 36-year-old business analyst will be running the 26-plus miles in aid of Action for M.E. You can sponsor Phil via his JustGiving web page.
Norwich Evening News, p 35
07/02/12
As above
eveningnews24.co.uk, online
05/02/12
As above
edp24.co.uk, online
05/02/12
As above
northnorfolknews.co.uk, online
05/02/12
Cannabis was for pain relief
A Hull man who grew 42 cannabis plants in his lock up was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 200 hours of community service after telling a judge that he grew the plants to help his partner gain pain relief from CFS.
Hull Daily Mail, p 7
04/02/12
Charity song
Singer and songwriter Chlay Esmae, 20, from Tiverton, Devon, raised £250 for the ME Association through sales of her song Silently and by selling home-made golden almond pendants.
Mid Devon Star, p17
03/02/12
Virtual volunteers
Lochaber ME Support Network members will be taking part in an Action for M.E. pilot scheme to explore the opportunities for virtual meetings offered by Skype online communications software.
Lochaber News, p 4
02/02/12
Student forum live
The Student Hub section of our website is packed with useful information to help young people manage their condition and links to a new interactive forum for peer support, writes Action for M.E. chief executive Sir Peter Spencer in a letter to the Editor.
Highland News, p 6
02/02/12
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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.
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