Hi I'm keen to talk to ME patients in Malta as part of my challenge to raise awareness across Europe. If anyone would like to answer a few short questions or tell me their story that would be brilliant. I'll be there on Feb 25th to run the marathon and am working with the ME/CFS/Fibro Alliance there, so hopefully can make a bit of noise for research whilst I'm out there Thanks Mike www.mikeseumarathons.eu
I didn't know where to post this as it came from the Independent Malta: article outlines their Budget for 2020 https://www.independent.com.mt/arti...emented-by-15-or-35-one-time-bonus-6736214773 probably a complete coincidence but Clare Francis (president of AfME) was in Malta talking about an unrelated issue. Yachtswoman, author, ME spokeswoman Clare Francis MBE to give talk in aid of Save Valletta’s Skyline https://www.independent.com.mt/arti...-in-aid-of-Save-Valletta-s-Skyline-6736214480 are there any ME organisations in Malta? one for outreach @Andy
Yes there is, I've interviewed Ruth from the Alliance over there. They do a fantastic job of keeping M.E in the public consciousness. http://www.mikeseumarathons.eu/malta.html You can find their group of Facebook too https://www.facebook.com/groups/me.cfs.fmalliance/
“I spend days in bed and cannot go out more than once a week” Posted On January 30, 2020 https://europe.easybranches.com/malta/2028490
Fibromyalgia And ME Sufferers Urge Malta To Recognise Their Invisible Condition As A Disability https://lovinmalta.com/news/news-hu...se-their-invisible-condition-as-a-disability/ (note: Geradas home country)
ME/CFS & FM Alliance - Malta Vo/818 is on Facebook. Impressum The ME, CFS & Fibromyalgia Alliance (Malta) is a network providing for individuals with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and FM (Fibromyalgia) conditions and their respective Support & Carer Groups, advocating public awareness about their debilitating disabilities and seeking recognition as a National Patients’ Organisation (NPO) duly constituted in Malta to represent the interests of sufferers and to act as a focal point-of-reference in matters concerning ME/CFS & Fibromyalgia disbailities in the Maltese Islands and at European level. https://m.facebook.com/me.cfs.fm.AllianceMalta/
Learning to see invisible illnesses, using comics https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/learning-to-see-invisible-illnesses-using-comics.956932
ME, CFS & Fibromyalgia Alliance condemns benefits abuse The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) & Fibromyalgia (FM) Alliance has condemned the benefits fraud abuse, questioning why people suffering with Fibromyalgia and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis are being consecutively told that there are not enough funds to even consider giving them benefits. "It is very disheartening to learn that, political persons who are supposedly elected in the Maltese Parliament to help their constituents and the Maltese citizens, are instead abusing of their power. This brings to light the questions: Why are persons diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis being consecutively told that there are not enough funds to even consider giving them benefits?" the alliance asks. It was recently reported in The Sunday Times that former Labour MP Silvio Grixti was implicated in a scandal that allegedly enabled hundreds of people to receive disability benefits which they were not entitled to. More: https://www.independent.com.mt/arti...a-Alliance-condemns-benefits-abuse-6736254680
Persons with Fibromyalgia and M.E. condition can receive a new benefit from next August with the amount being determined according to the severity of the condition. Speaking to TVMnews, Social Policy Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mark Musu’ said that although the condition is not considered as a disability in the law, these persons will now be entitled for the social assistance. Persons with disabilities, considered as hidden conditions, including Fibromyalgia and M.E. will from August be eligible for the benefit which varies between €99 and €192 a week according to the severity of the case. Continues at: https://tvmnews.mt/en/news/new-benefit-for-persons-with-fibromyalgia-and-m-e-condition/ Video, presumably in Maltese: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G1lVWVZKm8
Although it's obviously not great that ME is still not recognised as a disability in law this feels like a win for the ME Association there who I know work really hard to keep ME in the public eye. Well done to Ruth, Rebecca and Maria if you're reading this!
For the first time, people with hidden conditions such as fibromyalgia, ME and autism will be eligible for disability benefits after Malta adopts World Health Organisation functionality assessment. Go to, https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/...istance_assessment_covers_hidden_disabilities
