It’s almost World ME Day (12th May) and we’re sharing more about what our member organisations are up to! Today we’re hearing from organisations in Spain, Belgium, the USA, the UK and more.
Keep on reading to see how the power of collaboration is spreading World ME Day across continents.
Global
We’ve launched our international, tri-lingual campaign film!
Spain
ACAF and Plataforma Familiars have been coordinating an incredible campaign that will make World ME Day light up in blue, literally. Over 100 buildings across Spain will be lighting up blue to mark World ME Day, including Barcelona’s famous Sagrada Familia, the Liceu theatre, the Torre Glories, the Parliament of Catalonia, the Spanish Congress, and all the city halls in Catalonia. The presidents of the two parliaments, the Catalan Health Minister and other significant authorities around the country will also be making a cross-party statement for this World ME Day.
The two organisations, ACAF and Plataforma Familiars, both based in Barcelona, have also been collaborating with others in Valencia, Andorra, Mallorca and more to raise the awareness of ME.
On the 19th May, a week after World ME Day, they are hosting the 5th conference online on ME bringing together experts in ME and fibromyalgia from Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Vall Hebron University Hospital, and the Faculty of Pharmacy of University of Barcelona, to try to build greater understanding among healthcare professionals.
Breaking news: The Catalan Government is also now promoting World ME Day on their official health website!
Belgium
12ME are running an online photo competition and want you to get involved.
Here’s what they are looking for:
“Take a beautiful photo with your smartphone of something that touches you, something that typifies your environment or something that has meaning for you. The photo aims to provide an artistic insight into your environment as an ME/CFS patient. Caregivers of ME/CFS patients with photography talent are of course also welcome to participate.”
You can either post your submission and a short message (up to 280 characters) on social media with the hashtag #foto12ME, or email it to [email protected]
Find our more about how to participate here.
12ME will also be making a €4000 donation to scientific research this month!
Isle of Man
Juan Corlett, Chairperson of ME Support IOM, took part in a World ME Day Special programme on Manx Radio, alongside Lawrie Hooper, Minister for Health and Social Care for the Isle of Man and other prominent guests.
This will be available to listen to soon at: https://www.manxradio.com/podcasts/perspective/
Juan has also been inteviewed by youtuber Sam Turton on topics as wide ranging as Manx Care’s new ME / CFS service, workshops for employers and Long COVID. Listen here.
UK
Action for M.E. have a series of interviews with healthcare professionals about to launch. Keep an eye on their social media accounts: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
They have also been actively involved in the UK’s ME/CFS Priority Setting Partnerhsip, and will be supporting the launch of the final results from this project on World ME Day – more info at www.psp-me.co.uk
US
#MEAction are hosting their #MillionsMissing live event with an stunning line up of speakers, including:
- Rebecca Cokley, Program Officer, U.S. Disability Rights at Ford Foundation
- Ed Yong, Science Writer at The Atlantic
- Omar Wasow, Professor and Activist
Sian Leary will also be making ann appearance on behalf of the World ME Alliance, to share some of what is happening across the globe.
The event is taking place on World ME Day, Thursday 12th May, at 10am PT, 1pm ET, 6pm BST.
Register here.
US
Solve M.E. are preparing for their senate advocacy day on the 17th, and other events and actions that you can find out about here.
Northern Ireland
Hope for ME & Fibro Northern Ireland have an excellent piece featuring their founder Joan McParland in the Newry Democrat.
Time for you to prepare for World ME Day!
Our member organisations are doing incredible work, but so is our community!
Over 300 posters have been created with our custom poster maker, and now is the time to get your ready for the 12th.
Check out all the actions your can get involved in at www.worldmeday.org
