AN ESSENTIAL service which supports people in Malvern suffering from a life-changing condition needs urgent help to stop it from closing.
Chiefs at Worcestershire ME Support Group say a lack of volunteers taking on responsible roles and declining members could force the group to close within weeks.
The service has been running for more than 25 years and helps raise greater public awareness of the condition which is estimated to affect about 250,000 people in the UK as well as support sufferers, their carers, friends and family.
The condition can cause sufferers to have peristant exhaustion which can have a major effect on their mobility.
Its valuable sessions for sufferers are run at Malvern Cube and other areas in the county on a monthly basis.
But worried chiefs are urging people to declare interest in taking up a number of roles, most importantly a secretary, ahead of its annual general meeting at Malvern Cube, Albert Road North, in two weeks’ time.
Should not enough interest be expressed by or on Friday, September 23, then group chiefs say they will begin preparations to close down the essential service.
More than 200 people diagnosed or living with ME, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, were in contact with the support group each year but now only 25 to 30 people are regularly in touch.
Ian Logan, chairman of Worcestershire M.E Support Group, told the Observer: “The possible closure of the group has been discussed in the past and committee members now feel this is imminent – that is, unless people come forward to take on positions of responsibility so the group can continue.
“The whole reason for the group’s being is to give our knowledge and experience to people who are new to or have the symptoms of M.E.
“I was so frightened when I got diagnosed with M.E but the best thing which happened to me was attending a support group meeting in Malvern as it put me on the right track.
“We are a crucial service and people are pleased to speak to us as we provide them with a route to go down. Membership is at an all-time low and we can only continue if we have set roles. “
The Worcestershire ME Support Group’s AGM will be held on Friday, September 23 between 2pm and 4pm.
Anyone wishing to support the group can do so by calling Ian on 01886 888419, email [email protected] or attend the AGM.
