ME Friends Online forum relaunch: frequently asked questions

This page aims to answer key questions about the ME Friends Online forum relaunch. We will update it as we go along with questions raised by forum members in discussion threads and/or by email, so all our answers are in once place.

If you have questions that aren't answered below please email us.

This page was most recently updated on Thursday 27 February 2025.

1. Why is the forum relaunching?

We are updating the Action for ME website to make it easier to navigate and more accessible. Part of this will include a new forum. There are many problems experienced by users and moderators on the current platform. The new platform will be more user friendly, with increased functionality, and address the problems both users and moderators have been having.

2. When is it happening?

The forum relaunch is scheduled for Wednesday 26 March 2025. We will share more details around the precise timings for this soon. In the meantime, we are inviting forum users to test out the new platform and share their feedback with us (see question 6).

3. Why don’t we just fix the current forum platform?

We’ve taken expert advice on the feasibility of this. Owing to the age and size of the forum, plus the level of problems, we’ve been told the answer is to change the forum platform. Trying to fix existing problems is likely to cause even more complex issues to emerge.

We’ve done our best to address what we can as matters arise. We are very grateful for your patience and in-forum problem solving. We’ve been keeping things afloat until such a time we can sort an alternative. The current platform is, unfortunately, no longer ‘seaworthy’.

4. Why do I have to register all over again?

As it’s a new platform, users need to register again. This ensures that all Data Protection and permission measures are up to date, both for your privacy and for GDPR purposes.

In addition, the amount of user accounts/data is too large to transfer and one of the ‘broken’ parts of the current platform is the ability to filter and select active users (which is also why we have not been able to delete inactive accounts easily, adding to the existing issues).

5. Will the new forum work in the same way?

The new platform will look very similar, and work in a similar way – but better! There will be clearly labelled boards and more functionality for uploading pictures. We are asking forum users for their thoughts on the proposed discussion boards; you can find the thread for this here.

6. I want to be involved in testing the new forum, what do I need to do?

Forum user testing will involve looking at the forum on the new platform, including registering as a user, navigating topics and threads, and creating new posts. We will give clear guidance on this and written instructions. If you would like to do this, please send us an email.

7. How will you use our feedback?

The forum is used by many people, which means we won’t be able to make every single change suggested. Instead, we aim to do what brings greatest benefit to the forum and those it is here to serve. Please know that we will take the time to consider all your feedback and ideas, not just during this initial testing phase but as we progress with the new platform. We will keep checking in, listening to your feedback and consider any changes and improvements that need to be made.

8. How do I register for the new forum?

We will provide instructions for this very soon. We do not have capacity to offer individual technical support, but we will be providing both written and video resources to help you register for and navigate the new platform.

9. Will I have the same username?

You will create a new user account by signing up, and in doing so create a username – this can of course be the same as your old one and, if you are regular user, we recommend it to avoid confusion.

10. Can the existing content be moved over?

We have looked into saving existing content but, after taking expert advice on this, it has become clear it’s simply not possible. The sheer level of user data on the current platform and ongoing technical issues with the existing platform make data transfer unfeasible – along with other reasons including use of time and money, as well as respecting user privacy and following regulations re. data permissions.

11. I am finding this stressful, what do I do?

If you find the change involved in the forum relaunch is having an impact on your emotional and mental health, please take time to reflect on how you can manage your self-care and give yourself permission to do what you need. You can talk through your feelings with a trained and experienced listener by contacting one of the following organisations:

• Samaritans offer a free, confidential listening service for people in emotional distress. Call 116 123 any time (24 hours a day, 365 days per year); send them an email, or write to Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS.
• Support line offers confidential emotional support to children, young adults and adults. Call 01708 765200 Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm; send them an email, or write to SupportLine, PO Box 2860, Romford, Essex RM7 1JA

12. Will you email all registered members with the news?

We have more than 3,000 members so we are looking at the best way to do this. We appreciate that some members do not post frequently and we want to make the chance as manageable as we can for people.

13. Will the relaunch be shared in InterAction magazine to attract new members?

Absolutely! We will share news of the relaunched forum in our membership magazine InterAction, along with our social media channels.

14. How will moderation work on the new platform?

Our approach to moderation will not change, ie. it will remain light touch with members reporting concerns using the “Report post” button. We are revising our terms of use to make them simpler, shorter and easier to follow but there won’t be any substantive changes.

15. Will we still have personal private messages?

Yes, this option will be available on the forum. Users will be able to turn it off if they prefer not to receive private messages.