 |
 |
Highlights
Draft
Guidelines
Sydney
Conference
The
Society
About
the Society
State
Society Addresses
Products
for Purchase
Join
the Society
Send
Me Information
Making
Contacts
E-mail
Pen Friends
General
Resources
About
CFS/ME
Community
Services
Social
Security
Book
Reviews
Opinions
Your
Say
Miscellaneous
Medical
Resources
Journal
Papers
Lectures/Conferences
Research
Symptoms/Diagnosis
Treatments/Management
Reports
Archive
Updates
Media
Watch
Parliamentary
Reports
 |
Who are we?
The M.E./Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Society of Victoria Inc. is a non-profit charitable organisation dedicated to serving the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Community in Victoria and Tasmania. The Society is run entirely by volunteers and relies on donations and membership fees to allow us to continue our valuable work.What is 'Chronic Fatigue Syndrome'?
Don't be fooled by the name. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME, also known as M.E. or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) is a serious and debilitating illness that can last for years, and sometimes for life. The latest research suggests that the symptoms of CFS/ME may be caused - at least in part - by a continuing immune response to a real or perceived challenge. Symptoms of CFS/ME include overwhelming exhaustion, both physical and cognitive, memory and concentration impairment, an intense 'flu like feeling, muscle pain, sleep disturbance, headaches, disturbance of balance and other symptoms. There is no effective treatment for CFS/ME, so correct management of the illness plays an important role. This is where the Society can offer guidance. Also see our Detailed CFS/ME Information Sheet.
How do we help the CFS/ME community?
 |
we publish a quarterly magazine, 'Emerge', which includes research updates, contributions from members and other relevant information. |
|
we run many support groups throughout Victoria and Tasmania. |
|
we operate a telephone information and support line staffed by trained volunteers. |
|
if you need medical advice, or are looking for a diagnosis, we are able to provide names of doctors who are knowledgeable about CFS/ME. |
|
we provide free information to the general public and to health professionals. |
|
twice each year, we hold general meetings with a guest speaker. |
We are actively involved in:
|
raising community awareness of CFS/ME and its effects, through the media and other avenues. |
|
encouraging and supporting medical research into CFS/ME. |
|
lobbying political leaders regarding the needs of people with CFS/ME and appropriate resource allocation. |
|
educating public health officials about CFS/ME. |
|
raising funds to support our services and activities. |
By becoming a member of the Society, you will be assured of having access to all the services we provide to our members.
Membership information:
Membership is open to all interested persons and organisations. Currently membership fees are as follows: |
Ordinary | $40.00 |
|
Concession | $20.00 |
Membership renewal falls on the 1st of July each year.
A Membership Application form is available here.
Donation information:
Donations from a significant part of the society's income and increase the number and quality of services it can provide.An online donation facility has been established at ourcommunity.com.au.
Alternatively the society's office can be contacted through the details below.
Donations
to the society are tax deductible.
Want more information?
More information about the Society is available from:an
information kit
by contacting the Society at:
ME/Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome Society of Victoria
Information
and support line (03) 988 88 798
Administration/Fax
(03) 988 88 981
23 Livingstone
Close, Burwood, Vic, Australia 3125
mecfs@vicnet.net.au
The Society's Vision
is to be an organisation which has a significant and positive influence on the well-being of people affected by CFS/ME.
The Society's Mission
is to provide support, information and advocacy for people affected by CFS/ME, and to advance the interests and well-being of people with this disorder.