A support group for people in Pembrokeshire living with ME is increasing its social media presence to coincide with ME Awareness Week this week (May 6th to 12th).

The Welsh Association of ME & CFS Support (WAMES) is extending its online presence into Facebook and Twitter. It is inviting people in Pembrokeshire to keep up to date with ME in Wales and share their stories through the social networks, or through their website www.wames.org.uk.

Pembrokeshire-based WAMES volunteer Sharon Price, who has had ME since her late teens said: “As there is no NHS specialist consultant for ME in Wales, charities like WAMES and the Mid and West Wales ME Group are vital sources of information and support for those diagnosed with ME and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

“We also campaign for better understanding and awareness of the illness and better services for those affected, as well as raising funds for biomedical research.”

She said that WAMES would like to hear from people in Pembrokeshire with ME as well as their carers or family.

“We need to build up an accurate picture of people’s experiences of services so we can present patients’ stories to health professionals and service commissioners.

“You can help by sending us your story, completing a questionnaire, or joining us on Facebook.”

International ME Awareness Day is on Saturday, May 12th. WAMES is also asking people to wear blue on this day and post a photo on Facebook to raise awareness.

For more information (and details of local get-togethers): www.wames.org.uk, www.facebook.com/WAMESMECFS, On Twitter: @WAMESMECFS, helpline@wames.org.uk, WAMES helpline telephone: 029 2051 5061, www.midwalesmegroup.org.uk.