The Big Give is Here!

 

Thanks to the ongoing support of our amazing members like you, we’ve been able to support thousands of people living with ME and accelerate ground-breaking research to unlock answers and create hope. Our Big Give Christmas Challenge is back again – and with your help we can reach our target of £135,000 to continue our work to improve the lives of everyone affected by ME. For one week only, between 2nd and 9th December any gift you make will be doubled and have twice the impact. Donate Now

This year, all money raised will help us to: Improve the lives of adults and children affected by ME through our information, support, advocacy and healthcare services. Accelerate understanding of ME by building on the initial results of our DecodeME study, delivering more genetic research studies with Edinburgh University and supporting the next generation of ME researchers through our Future Leaders Programme. With your support, we’re driving real change, delivering hope, and making a lasting impact for people with ME, including people like Hattie* & Mia*.  Hattie's daughter Mia has ME, and their family were helped by our Information & Support service: “Please consider donating to Action for ME. When your child suddenly becomes seriously ill, it can feel like the world has fallen away beneath you. Action for ME are the people who step into that gap.”   Hattie Thank you so much, we couldn’t do this without you. Warmest wishes, Sonya Chowdhury, Chief Executive - Action for ME P.S. We are extremely grateful for any support you can give this year, we know that times are tough for many.  *names have been changed

Donate Now

Follow us for campaign updates

Action for ME Unit 2.2 Streamline, 436 - 441 Paintworks, Bristol BS4 3AS. Registered charity in England and Wales no. 1036419. Registered in Scotland no. SC040452

Its back, double them up.

 

We are less than 2 weeks away from The Big Give Christmas Challenge – can you help us raise £135,000 to improve lives and accelerate understanding for anyone affected by ME?

Donate online between 2^nd and 9^th December to see your gift DOUBLED.

Last year, the money raised during our campaign helped us to:

·    Respond to over 1,100 requests for information and support from adults and children with ME. 91% had increased understanding of their rights and options following contact with us.

·    Continue to support younger researchers in the ME field through our Future Leaders Network, and build on the initial results of our DecodeME study through our Genetics Centre of Excellence research partnership with Edinburgh University.

·    Provided 215 bursaries to people on low incomes, helping them to access specialist healthcare including Doctors and Physiotherapists.

·    Launch an Essay Competition for Medical Students across the UK, helping ensure the next generation of Doctors understand ME and can better support their patients with ME.

We’ll be announcing the winners of our essay competition during the Big Give campaign week. Follow us on social media (links below) to see how it improved understanding of ME for those students who took part.

With your help, this year we can reach our target and continue our work to improve lives and accelerate understanding – now and in the future.

For now, save the date and we will contact you with more information about our Big Give Christmas Challenge soon, or keep an eye on our social media channels for more updates.

Best wishes from the Action for ME team.

The Key to Happiness: 5 Simple Steps to Launch Your Passion Business Today

 We see successful business owners on TV every day, seemingly living their dream life. The secret they all share isn't luck—it's control. As This Morning highlighted on Friday, the key to lasting happiness and freedom often lies in running your own business.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of starting, stop right now. It doesn't have to be complicated. You already have everything you need: your passion.

Here is a straightforward, five-step blueprint to turn what you love into a thriving business, starting today.

Step 1: Find Your Fire (The Passion Principle)

Don't start a business just to make money; start one that brings you joy.

The first and most important step is to find your passion and turn it into a business. When you are selling something you genuinely love and believe in, consistency becomes easy, and the work feels less like a chore and more like a mission. What do people ask you for advice about? What could you talk about for hours? That is your business idea.

Step 2: Create a Social Media Home Base

In the modern world, your social media page is your storefront. It’s where customers find you, connect with you, and ultimately buy from you.

• Create your page: Choose a clear, engaging platform (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) where your ideal customer spends their time.

• Be Consistent: Posting once a month won't work. You must be consistent in promoting on it. Set a schedule (daily or every other day) and stick to it.

• Use Social Media for YOUR Good: Don't just scroll—join social media groups and promote your business page there (where appropriate). Treat social media as a powerful, free marketing tool, not a distraction.

Step 3: Master the Art of Consistency

This is where 90% of people fail, but it's the simplest step.

Whether it's posting, reaching out to customers, or fulfilling orders, you must be consistent with what you do. Small, daily actions always beat huge, sporadic efforts. Consistency builds trust, improves your search ranking, and keeps your brand top-of-mind for potential customers.

Step 4: Start Small, Build Smart

The fear of doing too much often leads to doing nothing.

Resist the urge to launch ten products, three websites, and five social media channels at once. Instead, start off small and build up. Focus intensely on one product or service, master your marketing on one social channel, and then, once it's profitable, expand. This prevents overwhelm and guarantees a solid foundation.

Step 5: Commit for a Year (The Growth Window)

Your business needs time to breathe, find its audience, and grow organically.

You won't see great results in a month. In fact, most businesses take six months just to find their stride. Make a firm commitment to keep it at for at least a year, to make it grow. Patience isn't passive; it's a strategic decision that allows you to collect data, adapt, and eventually break through to consistent sales.

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Ready to reclaim your happiness and financial control? Start by identifying your passion today, setting up your social home base, and committing to these simple, consistent actions.

Your successful business journey starts now.

Miriam

The Essential Guide to Winter Vitamins: D, Multis, and Omega-3

Vitamin D: Your Essential Winter Sunshine

The short days and low-angle sun of autumn and winter mean that most people in the UK simply cannot get enough Vitamin D from sunlight.

From October to April, experts recommend that every adult and child consider taking a daily Vitamin D supplement.

Why is Vitamin D so important?

Often called the "sunshine vitamin," Vitamin D plays a crucial role in regulating the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. This is essential for:

• Keeping bones, teeth, and muscles healthy.

• Supporting a healthy immune system.

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Multivitamins: Are They Worth It?

Multivitamins are popular, but they aren't a one-size-fits-all solution.

The general consensus is that not everyone needs a daily multivitamin. If you have a varied, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you are likely getting the vitamins and minerals you need.

When to Consider a Multivitamin:

A daily multivitamin could be beneficial if you:

• Have a poor or restricted diet (e.g., you struggle to eat a wide variety of foods).

• Are pregnant or planning a pregnancy (specific vitamins like Folic Acid are recommended).

• Have a medical condition that affects nutrient absorption.

Always speak to a GP or pharmacist before starting a new supplement regimen.

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Key Supplements for Plant-Based Diets

While most nutrients can be found easily in a well-planned vegan or vegetarian diet, two nutrients require special attention to avoid deficiencies: Vitamin 12 and Omega-3.

Vitamin 12 

• Why it's essential: B12 is critical for making red blood cells and keeping the nervous system healthy.

• The vegan challenge: It is found almost exclusively in animal products.

• The solution: All vegans and many vegetarians should take a daily B_12 supplement or consume B12 fortified foods (like some plant milks, breakfast cereals, and yeast extracts).

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Why it's essential: Omega-3s (specifically EPA and DHA) are vital for brain, eye, and heart health.

• The vegan challenge: The most potent sources (oily fish) are not part of a plant-based diet.

• The solution: Vegans should focus on plant-based sources like flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds (which contain ALA). However, to ensure adequate levels of the beneficial EPA and DHA, an algae-based Omega-3 supplement is often recommended.

Eat the Rainbow: The Fruits and Veggies That Are Your Immune System's Best Défense

 Hello

A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables is key to a strong immune system, as they provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients help your body's "defender" cells fight infection and regulate immune response.

Here is a summary of key fruits and vegetables and the immune-boosting nutrients they provide:

Key Vitamins and Nutrients from Produce

Nutrient	Role in Immune System	Best Fruit & Vegetable Sources
Vitamin C	Increases the production of white blood cells (key to fighting infection) and acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage.	Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons), Red bell peppers, Strawberries, Kiwi, Broccoli, Kale, Tomatoes.
Beta-Carotene (converts to Vitamin A)	An anti-inflammatory vitamin that helps the body's antibodies respond to toxins and maintains the health of mucous membranes (a barrier against infection).	Sweet potatoes, Carrots, Butternut squash, Spinach, Kale, Apricots, Red bell peppers.
Vitamin E	A powerful antioxidant essential for regulating and supporting immune function.	Spinach, Broccoli, Nuts (almonds, sunflower seeds), Avocado.
Fibre (Prebiotics)	Supports gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome is closely linked to a strong immune system.	All fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens, root vegetables, and berries.
Antioxidants (Flavonoids, Polyphenols)	Protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can weaken the immune system.	Berries (blueberries, strawberries), Green tea, Citrus fruits, Pomegranates, Spinach.

Top Immune-Boosting Fruits and Vegetables

1. Red Bell Peppers: Surprisingly, they can contain significantly more Vitamin C than citrus fruits. They are also a great source of Beta-Carotene.

2. Citrus Fruits: Excellent sources of Vitamin C, which is not stored by the body, so daily intake is important.

3. Broccoli: Packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fibre and various antioxidants. It's best eaten lightly cooked (steamed) or raw to retain the most nutrients.

4. Spinach: Rich in Vitamin C, Beta-Carotene, and antioxidants. Light cooking can make Vitamin A and other nutrients easier for your body to absorb.

5. Sweet Potatoes: Loaded with Beta-Carotene, which converts to Vitamin A, vital for immune function and fighting infections.

6. Garlic: Contains sulfur-containing compounds (like allicin) that have long been used for their immune-boosting and infection-fighting properties.

7. Ginger: Contains gingerol, which has natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce a sore throat and inflammatory illnesses.

General Tips for Boosting Immunity with Produce

• Eat the Rainbow: Aim for a wide variety of colours on your plate daily. Different colours indicate different phytochemicals and nutrients.

• Meet Your Servings: Strive for 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. (A serving is generally 1 cup raw or 1/2 cup cooked).

• Hydration is Key: Water is essential for producing lymph, which carries immune cells throughout the body. Many fruits and vegetables, like cucumber and watermelon, also contribute to hydration.

• Keep it Simple: Light cooking methods like steaming or microwaving are generally better than boiling for retaining vitamins. Eating them raw (when appropriate) is also excellent.

If you can't afford fresh, frozen is just as good.

I hope you find this article helpful, feel free to share it with others.

Miriam

Smart Food Pairings: The Power of Nutritional Synergy

 Hello

Latest from Jamie Oliver series, it on Channel 4 if you want to watch it.

Vegetables

Have them fresh, tinned, frozen, pickled, tinned, all are equally nutritious.

Protein is really important, it helps to repair your body.
To save money, bulk it up with beans.

Olive oil is the healthiest oil to use.

Use herbs to add flavour to your meals.

I hope this helps you, feel free to share it with others, so it can help them.

Miriam

ME on Songs of Praise

 Hello

Last night on Songs of Praise there was a lady who has ME, it was an interesting interview.

Click here to watch it.

Miriam