ME/CFS Charities
Action for ME is charitable organisation and self-help group based in the United Kingdom and dedicated to helping people with M.E
Hampshire Friends with M.E. is a friendly support group for people affected by ME/CFS. They have members across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Local Resources
Advice Portsmouth provides free, independent, impartial and confidential social welfare advice in the fields of debt, welfare benefits, employment, housing, family and consumer law to people living in Portsmouth.
Positive Minds supports city residents struggling to cope with difficulties and distress. They can help if you are in despair about anything - such as housing, money, relationships, work, bereavement, leaving the armed forces or living away from home at university - or suffering low mood, anxiety or a feeling of hopelessness.
Adult Social Care in Portsmouth helps support elderly and vulnerable residents. The services are available to adults (18+) living in postcodes between PO1 and PO6.
Resources for Professionals
BACME: The British Association for CFS/ME is a multidisciplinary organisation for UK professionals who are involved in the delivery of clinically effective services for patients with ME/CFS.
Movement, Mindfulness and relaxation
| Mindfulness exercises for everyday life | From Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust youtube page |
| Free Mindfulness | Free-to-download mindfulness meditation exercises |
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Key Consideration for movement awareness A reminder to look after yourself when performing movements using awareness and breath. |
A short mindfulness exercise to enable you to check in with your bodies sensations, thoughts and feelings. This exercise is particularly useful when time is short. |
10 minute mindfulness exercise An opportunity to practice mindfulness on a regular basis to improve your technique. |
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A body awareness exercise for the whole of the body providing an opportunity to consider whatever comes up, using the breath to explore sensations both wanted and unwanted. |
This exercise helps you to explore the sensations that arise in your body, helping you to let go. |
A visualisation exercise helps you to observe your thoughts with openness, to watch them float by without getting caught up in them. |
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This exercise helps you to accept your feelings and sensations associated with persistent pain. It helps you to observe and make space for your pain experience, and to widen your awareness, connecting with the world around you. |
An exercise to help you to detach from your thoughts and feelings through taking a step back and observing them, rather than ‘experiencing’ or ‘being’ them. |
A simple mindfulness exercise to centre yourself and connect with your environment. Practise it throughout the day, especially any time you find yourself getting caught up in your thoughts and feelings. |