Paisley MSP urges politicians to work together for M.E.
It is estimated that more than 250,000 people in the UK suffer from ME
Apr 12 2012 by Jeff Holmes, Paisley Daily Express
A CAMPAIGNING politician is urging fellow MSPs to back her efforts to raise awareness of a devastating illness.
West of Scotland MSP Mary Fee wants to turn the spotlight on Myalgic Encephalopathy, also known as ME, which is often misunderstood by members of the public who have had no experience of the condition.
ME is recognised by the World Health Organisation as a neurological condition and can result in muscle pain, with intense physical or mental exhaustion, relapses and specific cognitive disabilities.
The condition can affect people of any age, although it’s more common among those aged between 25 and 45 and is more prevalent in women than men.
A glimpse of the unseen absolute poverty in 21st century UK
Most people are completely unaware of the extent to which there is poverty today
Posted on by Vicki Fitzgerald
With thanks to Rhiannon Lockley who wrote this blog for us. Rhiannon is West mids regional women’s officer for UCU.
“We were really struggling. It really did get to the point where we just didn’t know how we were going to cope. It was literally pick one thing and do that, a case of either stay warm or eat.”
(Michaela, a Birmingham mother helped by Gateway Family Services Pregnancy Outreach Team, talks to ITV news, Wednesday 11th April 2012)
Usually when people talk about poverty in the UK they are referring to relative poverty. A person classed as relatively impoverished is significantly below average in wealth, meaning they are economically unable to participate fully in society. High levels of relative poverty indicate high levels of social inequality, which as has been argued in Wilkinson and Pickett’s 2009 book The Spirit Level are linked to a variety of negative problems in society. Relative poverty impacts on things like physical health, mental well-being, educational and career opportunities.
Easter event boosts the funds of a caring group
A group of dementia sufferers and their carers have held an Easter event.
There was an Easter bonnet parade, raffle and guitarist Richard Wadey entertained guests.
Karen Wellard, Secretary of the Memory Conservatory, said: “It was a really great day; everyone enjoyed themselves and it was a real success.”
Participants designed Easter eggs and there was a competition for the best Easter bonnet. The raffle also raised over £100 for the Memory Conservatory.
Karen said: “As the Memory Conservatory is free we do a raffle so people can feel like they’re helping.”
The Memory Conservatory is a self-funding charity set up by retired matron Rosemarie Stephens.