Don't be lonely at Christmas

Dec 3 2009 Harrow Observer

CHRISTMAS may be one of the most difficult times of the year for people with ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis) to cope with their awful illness.

If they are well enough to get involved in any of the festivities at home, let alone travel anywhere, they'll probably be too ill to enjoy it and be exhausted for ages afterwards. They therefore tend to become even more isolated and lonely than usual.

So we have come up with aparty that anyone can join in, even housebound or bedridden with ME, stay for as long as they are enjoying it and leave when it's too much or they've had enough for the day.

If you haven't got Skype yet, you can download it in seconds from www.skype.com. If you have any problems getting started, we have guidance notes on our website or someone will help you.

You can 'instant-message' straight away but if you want to talk and see the other person, you will need a microphone and a webcam. You can get both for less than £20, delivered to your door, and, remember, everything else is free, even to talk to people on the other side of the world.

And it is not just for talking. You can arrange to do things together - you could be playing charades on Christmas Day and even raising a glass of cheer with familiar friends and family, or new ones you've just met this way.

Here is the best bit for people with ME: you can turn it on when you wish and switch it off when you can't manage. And since it is global, across all time zones, there will be someone there every minute of the day and night.

Once you've set this up, it's not just for Christmas and the new year. You can contact people anywhere in the world when you are ready and say, not today thank you, when you need to rest.

So, join us and make this a happier Christmas and new year for ME.

DR JOHN H GREENSMITH MEFreeForAll.org