Association of Young People with ME

Membership of AYME is FREE, so general donations and the fundraising events which are held by our members and their families become the lifeblood of the organisation.

Income for 2002: £209,149

Expenditure

As far as possible, all the money raised by the members and their families is ploughed straight back into the ever increasing number of services for members.

Expenditure for 2002: £167,931

Income and Expenditure

Itemised accounts can be found in the accountant's report and financial statement

In January 2002, the Chief Medical Officer, Prof. Liam Donaldson, launched his report on ME. This was written by an independent working group which included AYME's Chairman, Medical Advisor and an AYME member.
Although the recommendations were generalised, the report was supportive of the needs of young people with ME and their families:
"ME is a genuine illness... existing controversy cannot and should not be used as an excuse for inaction or unsuitable practice... Inaction due to ignorance or denial of the condition is not excusable."
Young people often need help in ploughing through detailed reports in order to access the services recommended and this report was no exception.
To make it easier, AYMEr Claire Jones edited a booklet, paid through a grant from the

Department of Health, together with Abbey National Community Fund, explaining the useful parts of the CMO's report, where to find them, and how to make use of them. Further use of this booklet was made at four, regional workshops. This work continues for the next two years.

Informing teachers and fellow pupils
Teacher's Pack The CMO's report on ME made recommendations about the child's education:
"A young person with ME should never be forced to study but instead encouraged to set a pace that is likely to be sustainable, then have their progress regularly reviewed.... Some young people will be too severely affected by their illness to participate in any form of education, even at home."
If a child's teacher and class-mates understand the illness ME and the reason why the child is absent from school for so long, it makes for a smoother return to take place, once the illness begins to improve. However, it is important for everyone to understand that for some students, any education, even home study, may be impossible. AYMErs Claire Jones and Chris Keirnan up-dated AYME's teacher's book and video educational pack to make a teaching tool to be used in Personal and Social Education classes.

AYME is the largest national registered charity supporting children and young people with ME, and their families.
AYME's members do not pay membership fees to ensure equal and open access to our services.
AYME has developed a unique, 'family-feel' culture where the young person does not feel isolated and their needs always come first.
AYME encourages its members to be involved with, and manage their own charity. AYME provides service teams, which are run by and for its members.
AYME provides information about the existence and diagnosis of ME for all professionals and families who are involved with young people suffering from ME.
AYME is bringing the rights of young people with ME into the public spotlight through participating in Government working groups on health, educational and social care issues.
AYME's regional network has an increasing number of members who are able to offer each other face-to-face support.

Awards

AYME has been recognised as a leading charity. AYME's awards include:

Milton Keynes Volunteer Hero 2002 - Winner, Jill Moss, Founding Chairman.
Milton Keynes Volunteer Connections - Groups supervising volunteers, finalist, AYME staff.
Whitbread Volunteer Action Awards 2001 - Winners, South East Regional winners.
Whitbread Volunteer Action Awards 2001 - Highly Commended, AYMEr Emily Collingridge
Whitbread Volunteer Action Awards 2000 - Highly Commended, AYMEr Emily Collingridge
Whitbread Volunteer Action Awards 1998 - Highly Commended, AYME

Written into AYME's constitution are policies for Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities and Child Protection

Thanks to the following:

- £100,000+ over three years
AND and
Abbey National Community Partnership

one-off grant of £10,000 for the Positive Living project
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Accenture Employee Charity Fund - £25,000+ for AYME's bi-monthly magazine, CHEERS and a new video unit.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Peter and Jackie Blair - £11,000+ from a dinner and auction
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John and Sue Edwards Charitable Trust - £4,000 This gift enabled us to have a full representation of young people from around the country at our 10 Downing Street reception.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Peter Roberts - £3,000+ organised several runners in the London Marathon.

OTHER DONATIONS/GRANTS in excess of £1,000

Awards for All - Golden Jubilee Fund enabled us to send celebratory bubbles and a small card to all AYMErs for the Jubillee

Argos Ltd towards our new, video education pack for schools.

Cantabrigian Rowing Club enabled many members attend AYME's annual conference.

AYME would like to thank all of its 2002 donors, large and small.
You allow us to continue to provide services for our young people.

Association of Young People with ME
9a Vermont Place, Tongwell, Milton Keynes, MK15 8JA
Tel: 08451 232389
www.ayme.org.uk

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Article last edited on Friday 22nd August 2008 Printable Version

Fundraising Events

Contact AYME - Telephone: 08451 23 23 89 - Post: AYME, 10 Vermont Place, Tongwell, Milton Keynes, MK15 8JA - Email: info@ayme.org.uk

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Annual Report 2002 - page 3