reMEmber (The Chronic Fatigue Society)
“The most important aspect of the course is that each member works out her or his own individual self-management plan.” — reMEmber Website
Established in 1999, reMEmber offers ongoing support to people suffering from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). This illness can induce muscle fatigue and weakness which may result in individuals with CFS being unable to perform everyday tasks such as driving, shopping, and typing.
The group of 8 volunteers at reMEmber, centered at Danny House, Hurstpierpoint (in West Sussex) aims to help people with CFS receive the best possible treatment to ensure that they can lead full and healthy lives. By organising seminars for health care professionals, employers, patients, and carers, the group hopes to improve understanding and awareness of this condition.
One of reMEmber's most successful courses is the self-management course which has been running since September 2001 and are catered for the particular problems of CFS/ME patients. The courses hold about 10 participants, and are taught by experienced trainers with personal experience in the area of illness. The courses consist of one two-and-a-half hour session once a week for six weeks, during which the participants discuss problems, examine coping techniques, and experience relaxation methods. The subjects covered throughout the course include: problems of long term illness; goal setting and action planning; managing stress and effective communication (amongst other topics).
This is no cure for CFS, so these courses help patients to cope with the problems of everyday life. Self-management is a well-established technique that helps people plan and organise and can help them achieve a better quality of life. By being patient and understanding, volunteers help encourage people to find a treatment that best suits their lifestyle, whether that is medication, relaxation techniques, or self-help classes. The group has organized several educational and information events with subjects like pacing, healthy eating and social security benefits.
The group has also campaigned for a local clinic to which family doctors can refer patients for appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. The Sussex Primary Care Trusts has worked on a plan for a Sussex-wide CFS/ME service. This service will enable patients to be seen by an expert physician early in their illness at easily accessible centres where they will receive diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
The charity’s hard work, dedication and success has not gone unnoticed. In December 2004, reMEmber was voted the Mid Sussex Charity of the Year by Brighton Radio and the Mid Sussex Times. This marked the organisation's fifth anniversary.
reMEmber also received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2015 .Janice and Bill Kent from reMEmber attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace on the 20th May, where they met the Queen and other winners of the year’s award.
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work in their communities. The awards were created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and winners are announced each year on the 2nd June, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation. reMEmber received the award from the Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex .
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Committee Chair, former broadcast journalist Martyn Lewis CBE said:
“I warmly congratulate all of the inspirational voluntary groups who have been rewarded for their community work with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The judging panel for this year’s awards were struck by the quality and breadth of all the successful groups. The thousands of volunteers who give up spare time to help others in their community and to help solve problems demonstrate the best of democracy in action.”
Minister for Civil Society, Rob Wilson, said:
“I would like to congratulate all groups who received this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, in recognition of their fantastic achievements. The hard work and commitment that goes into the work of these organisations is surpassed only by the passion and motivation of the individuals who volunteer. I hope these groups continue to inspire others to get involved and make a positive impact so that we can continue to build a bigger, stronger society.”
Created 15th January 2013. Updated 2021
reMEmber (The Chronic Fatigue Society) benefits from Attend membership, which includes comprehensive charity insurance cover. For more information, or to join, please click here.
