AYME (Association of Young People with ME)

AYME (pronounced 'aim'), is a national registered charity providing support, friendship and information to children and young people (aged 26 or under) with ME/CFS in the UK. HELPLINE: 0330 2211223 helpline@ayme.org.uk The charity was established in 1996 and has extensive experience of the impact that ME/CFS has on the lives of children and young people. It's free to join, and members have access to a wide range of services including a bi-monthly magazine, active online community, pen pal and text pal schemes, postal library and special support schemes for the severely affected. The helpline provides advice to members and their families as well as health, social care and education professionals; and a national support worker is available to help those in crisis. There are lots of volunteering opportunities for members, helping to rebuild confidence, reinforce the family feel of the organisation and give children and young people with ME a sense of purpose. A support network and newsletter is available for parents; and individuals with ME who are aged over 26 and wish to be involved with AYME can join AYME Grads. AYME puts an end to the terrible isolation experienced by children and young people with ME and works with families, professionals and the wider community to help solve many of the problems they face and improve their quality of life.