People

Practice being assertive about your needs, this involves communicating clearly and respectfully. It is easier for those around you if you recognise and respond when you need to rest. Try to be patient with people, many don’t know how to treat people who are ill or disabled. They may not be willing or able to face the changes in your life. Learn about how to look after your health and be realistic about your limitations. Don’t let anybody persuade you into trying any treatment which you are not happy with. M.E. can be very isolating. It might be worth looking out for others locally who are also isolated for whatever reason. Many people with M.E. appreciate having contact with other M.E. sufferers, either through their local group, by phone, letters, E-mail or talking letters recorded onto cassette. It may be easier to explain about your illness to friends and relatives in writing, in your own words, or using leaflets, articles or books on M.E. Keep a handout of your medical history, your known allergies, what drugs you are on etc. to help with communication in an emergency.

• Contact ACTION FOR M.E. for details of your local group or individual local contacts.

• There are pen-pal services for people with M.E. details of which are available through many of the M.E. organisations (see Young People).

• If you are well enough, joining a club or class is one way to meet people. There are also various special interest groups for people with M.E., conducted by post, phone or E-mail (details in M.E. magazines).

• WRITE AWAY, 1 THORPE CLOSE, LONDON, W10 5XL Tel: 020 8964 4225 Fax: 020 8964 3532 E-mail: info@write-away.org Website: www.write-away.org This organisation puts people, some with a disability or special need in touch with pen-friends, using whichever type of communication they prefer (e.g. Audio tape, E-mail, fax, pen and paper).

• MIND mental health promotion booklets cost £1 each, £3 for 5 or £4.50 for 10 plus 44p postage. Titles include ‘How to assert yourself’, ‘How to cope with loneliness’ and ‘How to look after yourself’. MIND PUBLICATIONS, GRANTA HOUSE, 15 – 19 BROADWAY, LONDON, E15 4BQ Tel: 020 8519 2122 Fax: 020 8522 1725 E-mail: publications@mind.org.uk Website: www.mind.org.uk

• THE HANDIDATE INTRODUCTION AGENCY, FREEPOST, THE WELLINGTON CENTRE, 52 CHEVALIER STREET, IPSWICH, SUFFOLK, IP1 2BR Tel: 01473 226950 Fax: 01473 254 030 E-mail: handidate@btinternet.com Website: www.btinternet.com/~handidate Specialises in helping people with or without disabilities make friends or find partners.

Cooking : Coping Strategies : Doctors : Pacing : Telephone : Visitors : Writing : Young People

YAO HOW TO: Set up a Social Group; TYMES Education Special £1.50 (includes HOW TO: Educate Everyone Else about M.E.); TYMES Issue 29 £1.50 (inc HOW TO: Be a Good Friend to someone with M.E.); TYMES TRUST Friends Pack £1.90; AYME Friends, Relationships and M.E. £1.50; InterAction 19; 1995; pages 28-31 Relationships and M.E.