The 25% ME Group

21 Church Street
Troon
Ayrshire
KA10 6HT

Web: www.25megroup.org

The 25% ME Group is a nationwide community based voluntary group. They have two members of staff paid for by the Lottery Fund and volunteers (most of whom are chronic ME sufferers). They provide a range of services to people affected by severe ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), many of whom are virtually housebound or bed bound.

The Lottery Fund has provided the 25% ME Group with sufficient funding to allow them to provide an advocacy service for a three year period. The service will provide the following:

• Benefits checks.
• Assist individuals to apply for identified benefits.
• Assist individuals to appeal if a benefit is refused.
• In some circumstances represent individuals at appeals tribunals.
• Advice and information regarding housing legislation.
• Assist individuals to apply for suitable housing.
• Advice and information regarding community care.
• Assist individuals to access and comment in respect of their care pans.
• Where appropriate advise individuals about local authority complaints procedures.
• In some circumstances provide representation at complaints hearings.
• Advocate for individuals with the various health services and assist them to access personal information.
• In certain circumstances assist in the preparation and representation of health board complaints.
• Assist individuals to claim assistance from the social fund.
• Advice with direct payments scheme.
• Advice regarding the Children (Scotland) Act 1995.
• Advice regarding The Human Rights Act.
• Advice regarding homelessness.
• Advocacy information sheets on various subjects.

Other services include:

• Twice yearly newsletter.
• Talking book service.
• Practical and emotional support.
• Telephone helpline.