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'''Andrew Bretherton''' is a passionate human rights advocate and unionist. Andrew became an advocate for people with ME when he himself was diagnosed in 2015. Andrew campaigns for better conditions and to stop the abuse of people living with ME.  He has spoken for various ME organisations in [[Australia]] and in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] including [[Millions Missing]], [[Emerge Australia]], and [[ME Australia]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/ModernSlavery/Final_report/section?id=committees/reportjnt/024102/25435|title=Public hearings {{!}} Inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia|last=Commonwealth Parliament|first=|authorlink=|last2=|first2=|authorlink2=|date=|website=Parliament of Australia|language=en-AU|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2021-10-19}}</ref>
'''Andrew Bretherton''' is a passionate human rights advocate and unionist. Andrew became an advocate for people with ME when he himself was diagnosed in 2015. Andrew campaigns for better conditions and to stop the abuse of people living with ME.  He has spoken for various ME organisations in [[Australia]] and in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] including [[Millions Missing]], [[Emerge Australia]], and [[ME Australia]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/ModernSlavery/Final_report/section?id=committees/reportjnt/024102/25435|title=Public hearings {{!}} Inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia|last=Commonwealth Parliament|first=|authorlink=|last2=|first2=|authorlink2=|date=|website=Parliament of Australia|language=en-AU|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2021-10-19}}</ref>


Andrew is currently leading the [[Call for Change for ME patients]] Australia petition<ref name="callforchange">https://www.change.org/p/australian-parliament-call-for-change-for-me-patients-australia</ref> to submit to the Australian Disability Royal Commission and Australian Parliament to investigate the violence, [[Medical neglect_and_abuse#neglect|neglect]], [[Medical_neglect_and_abuse|abuse]] and exploitation currently occurring in the ME and CFS community due to outdated guidelines, policies and research.
Andrew is currently leading the Australian [[Call for Change for ME patients]] petition<ref name="callforchange">{{Cite web|url=https://www.change.org/p/australian-parliament-call-for-change-for-me-patients-australia|title=Call for Change for M.E. Patients in Australia {{!}} Submission to the Australian Parliament and the Disability Royal Commission into Violence, Neglect, Abuse and Exploitation on behalf of the local and international ME and CFS community|last=Bretherton|first=Andrew|authorlink=|last2=|first2=|authorlink2=|date=2021|website=Change.org|language=en-au|archive-url=|archive-date=|url-status=|access-date=2021-10-25}}</ref> and plans to submit to the Australian Disability Royal Commission and Australian Parliament to investigate the violence, [[Medical neglect_and_abuse#neglect|neglect]], [[Medical_neglect_and_abuse|abuse]] and exploitation currently occurring in the ME and CFS community due to outdated guidelines, policies and research.


==Illness ==
==Illness ==
Andrew was studying a B.A. of Psychology and Sport Science, working professionally and heavily involved in his local community when he caught [[Epstein-Barr virus]] (glandular fever) and [[shingles]], and was struck down with M.E. He attended a well known hospital fatigue clinic and an exercise health clinic in Melbourne where he was recommended the therapies [[Graded exercise therapy|GET]]/[[Cognitive behavioral therapy|CBT]] and high doses of [[Ritalin|dexamphetamines]]. Andrew found this treatment exploitative, abusive and said it reduced his functionality to the point where he was housebound and could no longer work or study. He later attended Dr [[Donald Lewis]] clinic CFS discovery where he received proper medical care before it closed in 2019. 
Andrew was studying a B.A. of Psychology and Sport Science, working professionally and heavily involved in his local community when he caught [[Epstein-Barr virus]] (glandular fever) and [[shingles]], and was struck down with M.E. He attended a well known hospital fatigue clinic and an exercise health clinic in Melbourne where he was recommended the therapies [[Graded exercise therapy|GET]]/[[Cognitive behavioral therapy|CBT]] and high doses of [[Ritalin|dexamphetamines]].{{Citation needed|reason=|date=25 October 2021}} Andrew found this treatment exploitative, abusive and said it reduced his functionality to the point where he was housebound and could no longer work or study.{{Citation needed|reason=|date=25 October 2021}} He later attended Dr [[Donald Lewis]] clinic CFS discovery where he received proper medical care before it closed in 2019.{{Citation needed|reason=|date=25 October 2021}} 


Andrew experienced many cases of diagnosis discrimination and found the process of applying for social supports (housing, national disability insurance scheme, disability support pension) in Australia discriminatory simply because services excluded him from support because he had the “ME or CFS”  label. 
Andrew has described experiencing diagnosis discrimination, and found the process of applying for social supports (housing, national disability insurance scheme, disability support pension) in Australia discriminatory because services excluded people with the “ME or CFS”  label. 


In 2019 his apartment complex flooded and through no fault of his own Andrew found himself homeless and was admitted to hospital where he experienced further medical abuse where the hospital tried to “cure” his M.E. with psychiatric treatments (e.g. more GET/CBT and [[antidepressants]]) 
In 2019, his apartment complex flooded and Andrew found himself homeless, and was admitted to hospital where he reported further [[Medical neglect and abuse#Abuse|medical abuse]] where the hospital tried to “cure” his M.E. with psychiatric treatments (e.g. more GET/CBT and [[antidepressants]]) 


It took Andrew 3 years to access the '''Disability Support Pension''' (DSP) and '''National Disability Insurance Scheme''' (NDIS). Andrew believes had he had early access to appropriate services then he would be much less impaired then he is now and could have possibly avoided what happened to him.
Andrew described his 3 year battle for access to '''Disability Support Pension''' (DSP) and '''National Disability Insurance Scheme''' (NDIS). Andrew has said he believes had he had early access to appropriate services then he would be much less impaired then he is now and could have possibly avoided what happened to him.{{Citation needed|reason=|date=25 October 2021}}


==Advocacy==
==Advocacy==
[[File:Insight Panel.png|thumb|right|
[[File:Insight Panel.png|thumb|right|
Andrew (second from left) on ''SBS Insight'', 2018]]
Andrew (second from left) on ''SBS Insight'', 2018]]
Andrew has publicly called for more biomedical funding and said that having ME was like "A Slow Death”, he said that that [[graded exercise therapy]] and [[cognitive behavioral therapy]] for the condition is "just garbage"<ref name="Insight2018">https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/watch/1334946883764</ref> on his experience with the insight program he said "It's not often you get a chance to confront your abuser, so it was therapeutic for me in that sense. I only regret that they focused more on outdated modes of practice, but we do need people to stand up and put forward the message of real science and show that these dinosaur practices of treatment [graded exercise therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy] are harmful to patients."<ref name="MEAustralia2018>https://meaustralia.net/2018/10/15/insight-on-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-andrews-experience/</ref>
Andrew has publicly called for more biomedical funding and said that having ME was like "A Slow Death”. He regards [[graded exercise therapy]] and [[cognitive behavioral therapy]] for ME/CFS as "just garbage"<ref name="Insight2018">https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/watch/1334946883764</ref> and harmful to patients."<ref name="MEAustralia2018">https://meaustralia.net/2018/10/15/insight-on-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-andrews-experience/</ref>


In 2017, Andrew gave evidence to the Inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia in a private capacity.<ref name=":0" /> In 2021, Andrew was acknowledged for his work on migrant worker rights in the book ''Far From Home'' by Rosie Ayliffe.{{Citation needed|date=2021|reason=Exact quote and page(s) needed; remove refs if only a passing mentions}} Andrew also actively participated on behalf of 88 Days and Counting into the ''variation of the Horticultural Award'' 2020.<ref name="hort">https://www.fwc.gov.au/awards-and-agreements/awards/award-modernisation/variation-applications/AM2020/104</ref>
In 2017, Andrew gave evidence to the Inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia in a private capacity.<ref name=":0" /> In 2021, Andrew was acknowledged for his work on migrant worker rights in the book ''Far From Home'' by Rosie Ayliffe.{{Citation needed|date=2021|reason=Exact quote and page(s) needed; remove refs if only a passing mentions}} Andrew also actively participated on behalf of 88 Days and Counting into the ''variation of the Horticultural Award'' 2020.<ref name="hort">https://www.fwc.gov.au/awards-and-agreements/awards/award-modernisation/variation-applications/AM2020/104</ref>

Revision as of 04:12, October 25, 2021

ME Action promotion

Andrew Bretherton is a passionate human rights advocate and unionist. Andrew became an advocate for people with ME when he himself was diagnosed in 2015. Andrew campaigns for better conditions and to stop the abuse of people living with ME. He has spoken for various ME organisations in Australia and in the UK including Millions Missing, Emerge Australia, and ME Australia.[1]

Andrew is currently leading the Australian Call for Change for ME patients petition[2] and plans to submit to the Australian Disability Royal Commission and Australian Parliament to investigate the violence, neglect, abuse and exploitation currently occurring in the ME and CFS community due to outdated guidelines, policies and research.

Illness[edit | edit source]

Andrew was studying a B.A. of Psychology and Sport Science, working professionally and heavily involved in his local community when he caught Epstein-Barr virus (glandular fever) and shingles, and was struck down with M.E. He attended a well known hospital fatigue clinic and an exercise health clinic in Melbourne where he was recommended the therapies GET/CBT and high doses of dexamphetamines.[citation needed] Andrew found this treatment exploitative, abusive and said it reduced his functionality to the point where he was housebound and could no longer work or study.[citation needed] He later attended Dr Donald Lewis clinic CFS discovery where he received proper medical care before it closed in 2019.[citation needed] 

Andrew has described experiencing diagnosis discrimination, and found the process of applying for social supports (housing, national disability insurance scheme, disability support pension) in Australia discriminatory because services excluded people with the “ME or CFS”  label. 

In 2019, his apartment complex flooded and Andrew found himself homeless, and was admitted to hospital where he reported further medical abuse where the hospital tried to “cure” his M.E. with psychiatric treatments (e.g. more GET/CBT and antidepressants) 

Andrew described his 3 year battle for access to Disability Support Pension (DSP) and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Andrew has said he believes had he had early access to appropriate services then he would be much less impaired then he is now and could have possibly avoided what happened to him.[citation needed]

Advocacy[edit | edit source]

Andrew (second from left) on SBS Insight, 2018

Andrew has publicly called for more biomedical funding and said that having ME was like "A Slow Death”. He regards graded exercise therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy for ME/CFS as "just garbage"[3] and harmful to patients."[4]

In 2017, Andrew gave evidence to the Inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia in a private capacity.[1] In 2021, Andrew was acknowledged for his work on migrant worker rights in the book Far From Home by Rosie Ayliffe.[citation needed] Andrew also actively participated on behalf of 88 Days and Counting into the variation of the Horticultural Award 2020.[5]

Positions Held[edit | edit source]

Andrew at a Millions Missing rally outside Melbourne state library, 2019
  • Emerge Australia - Community Engagement Officer - 2017, Video media and live streaming - 2018
  • ME Australia - Social Media Engagement officer - 2018 - onwards
  • Millions Missing - Guest speaker in Melbourne, 2019[6]
  • MEAction network promo - 2018
  • Call for Change UK - Voice Over/ Narrator 
  • Call for Change for ME patients Australia - Organizer - 2021
  • Victorian Greens - people with disabilities working group Co- Convenor 2018 to present 
  • 88 days and counting - Organiser 2016 to present 
  • Tom and Mia's Legacy - Organiser and Spokesperson, 2016 to present   
  • Migrant workers centre - Volunteer

Talks and interviews[edit | edit source]

Other Advocacy work[edit | edit source]

Online presence[edit | edit source]

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Website/Blog
  • YouTube

See also[edit | edit source]

Learn more[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Commonwealth Parliament. "Public hearings | Inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia". Parliament of Australia. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
  2. ↑ Bretherton, Andrew (2021). "Call for Change for M.E. Patients in Australia | Submission to the Australian Parliament and the Disability Royal Commission into Violence, Neglect, Abuse and Exploitation on behalf of the local and international ME and CFS community". Change.org. Retrieved October 25, 2021.
  3. ↑ https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/watch/1334946883764
  4. ↑ https://meaustralia.net/2018/10/15/insight-on-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-andrews-experience/
  5. ↑ https://www.fwc.gov.au/awards-and-agreements/awards/award-modernisation/variation-applications/AM2020/104
  6. ↑ https://meaustralia.net/millions-missing-melbourne/

myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.) - A disease often marked by neurological symptoms, but fatigue is sometimes a symptom as well. Some diagnostic criteria distinguish it from chronic fatigue syndrome, while other diagnostic criteria consider it to be a synonym for chronic fatigue syndrome. A defining characteristic of ME is post-exertional malaise (PEM), or post-exertional neuroimmune exhaustion (PENE), which is a notable exacerbation of symptoms brought on by small exertions. PEM can last for days or weeks. Symptoms can include cognitive impairments, muscle pain (myalgia), trouble remaining upright (orthostatic intolerance), sleep abnormalities, and gastro-intestinal impairments, among others. An estimated 25% of those suffering from ME are housebound or bedbound. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies ME as a neurological disease.

myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.) - A disease often marked by neurological symptoms, but fatigue is sometimes a symptom as well. Some diagnostic criteria distinguish it from chronic fatigue syndrome, while other diagnostic criteria consider it to be a synonym for chronic fatigue syndrome. A defining characteristic of ME is post-exertional malaise (PEM), or post-exertional neuroimmune exhaustion (PENE), which is a notable exacerbation of symptoms brought on by small exertions. PEM can last for days or weeks. Symptoms can include cognitive impairments, muscle pain (myalgia), trouble remaining upright (orthostatic intolerance), sleep abnormalities, and gastro-intestinal impairments, among others. An estimated 25% of those suffering from ME are housebound or bedbound. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies ME as a neurological disease.

graded exercise therapy (GET) - A gradual increase in exercise or activity, according to a pre-defined plan. Focuses on overcoming the patient's alleged unhelpful illness beliefs that exertion can exacerbate symptoms, rather than on reversing physical deconditioning. Considered controversial, and possibly harmful, in the treatment or management of ME. One of the treatment arms of the controversial PACE trial.

cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) - A type of psychotherapy geared toward modifying alleged unhealthy thinking, behaviors or illness beliefs. One of the treatment arms used in the controversial PACE trial.

biomedical research basic medical research on organisms, such as humans or other living things, that helps increase medical knowledge. (Learn more: me-pedia.org)

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