Editing Shropshire ME Group

[[File:Shropshire_ME_Group_Logo.jpeg|right|thumb|'''Shropshire ME Group''']]
'''Shropshire ME Group''' (SMEG) is a patient charity that helps patients with [[Myalgic encephalomyelitis|ME]]/[[Chronic fatigue syndrome|CFS]]/[[PVFS]] in and around Shropshire in the UK.

==Aims==
The Shropshire ME Group is a self-help support group which intends to provide advocacy, advice, and information for people in and around Shropshire suffering from [[Myalgic encephalomyelitis|ME]]/[[Chronic fatigue syndrome|CFS]]/[[PVFS]] and their carers,<ref name="CCSMEG" /> in particular by the provision of a network of contacts for such persons in order to provide mutual support and information exchange.<ref>[https://www.givey.com/smeg Givey - Shropshire ME Group]</ref>

==Services==
*Distribution of a bi-monthly newsletter offering the latest news, events and developments
*Volunteer-run [http://www.shropshiremegroup.org.uk/contacts.php local support groups]
*Free library of books, articles and media recordings on M.E.
*Yearly conferences featuring leading M.E. specialists
*Occasional volunteer-run fund-raising events to support SMEG and M.E. research
*Occasional social events such as picnics and visits to accessible local attractions
*Production and distribution of an information leaflet intended to increase greater awareness of the illness
*Maintenance of the [http://www.shropshiremegroup.org.uk/ Shropshire ME Group website], which has offered information and support since 2001<ref name="SMEGabout" />

==History==
Shropshire ME Group was founded in 1987<ref name="SMEGabout" /> by local couple Reg and Josephine Watson, and became a registered charity in 1999.<ref name="MEASMEG" /> It currently has over 150 members.<ref>[http://search3.openobjects.com/kb5/shropshire/fid/service.page?id=EUXyaTVvH1o&familychannel=322 Shropshire Council - Shropshire ME Group Information]</ref>

==Notable people==
British author [[Katie Flynn]] and Conservative MP [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Dunne_(Ludlow_MP) Philip Dunne] are patrons of the Shropshire ME Group.

==Funding==
Shropshire ME Group has been a registered charity since 1999.<ref name="MEASMEG" /> Its charity number is 1072171.<ref name="CCSMEG" /> The charity is self-funding and relies on individual donations to raise funds,<ref>[http://www.shropshiremegroup.org.uk/how-you-can-help-us.php Shropshire ME Group - How You Can Help Us]</ref> as well as occasional fund-raising events held by volunteers to support SMEG and M.E. research.<ref name="SMEGabout" /> They charge an annual membership fee of £5.<ref>[http://www.shropshiremegroup.org.uk/ Shropshire ME Group - Homepage]</ref>

==Online presence==
*[http://www.shropshiremegroup.org.uk/ Website]

==See also==
*[[Katie Flynn]]

==References==
<references>

<ref name="SMEGabout">[http://www.shropshiremegroup.org.uk/about-us.php Shropshire ME Group - About Us]</ref>
<ref name="MEASMEG">[http://www.meassociation.org.uk/2012/09/shrewsbury-m-e-group-to-honour-its-founders-on-october-6/ ME Association - Shropshire M.E. Group to honour its founders at ‘M.E. Question Time’ | Shrewbury, October 6]</ref>
<ref name="CCSMEG">[http://beta.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1072171&subid=0 Charity Commission - Shropshire ME Group]</ref>

</references>

[[Category:Patient groups]]
[[Category:British patient groups]]