Association of Young People with ME

AYME Graduates was set up in 2003 for those members of AYME who reach 26 and are no longer eligible for membership of AYME but who are still ill and still require the type of support AYME offers.

Set up by three members who had just reached 26 the group has gone from strength to strength. As well as aiming to support those members who are too old for AYME, the Graduates also aim to keep members involved with AYME and to work as a group for the benefit of AYME.
Members of AYME who are 24 years or older are eligible to join the group as well as past members over the age of 26 and other people of a similar age interested in getting support and being involved with AYME.

Members receive a bi-monthly newsletter which includes articles covering their experiences of things such as residential treatment, anxiety and panic attacks, working with and studying with ME and using a wheelchair, CBT, independent living as well as member's profiles, favourite quotes, poems, inspiring song lyrics and other articles including a regular 'laughter therapy' column. Past articles are added to the Graduate website for access by members who join after they have been printed. The website, open to all members, also has message and photo boards, a chat room and other information.

Members can get to know other members through two services. The contact sheet contains contact details of members who wish to be included, so members can get in touch with others on the sheet and the notebook scheme, primarily to those of a lower ability but open to anyone, is a notebook sent round on a circuit for members to enter their thoughts or pictures and then pass on to the next person.

A SAMs coordinator ensures that members who are severely affected receive special attention with Birthday and Christmas cards and access to the Buddy scheme, while another volunteer rounds-up the message board every month for those who are too ill to access it regularly. Other volunteers are currently working to organise a weekend get-together for members.

If you are 24 or over and would like to join AYME Graduates there is a small membership fee of £12 a year to cover costs and help support AYME. For a membership form or for more information please contact the Graduates at aymegraduates@hotmail.com

Article last edited on Wednesday 29th July 2009 Printable Version

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