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  • Meet our Team | MECFS Canterbury

    Meet our Team Governance Board Rose Camp Chairperson Rose joined the MECFS Canterbury committee in 2019, with a focus on improving how people with ME/CFS are treated by the health system. Both Rose and a family member have ME/CFS, and she is currently unable to work consistent regular hours because of it. Rose has a background in software development (as a tester), and in charity administration. Greta Bond Secretary Greta joined our Board in September 2025, and brings experience as CEO of Aged Concern Canterbury and a previous project specialist role with the Canterbury District Health Board. She became Secretary of the Board in February 2026. Siju Thomas Treasurer Siju kindly joined our committee in February 2024, to help us monitor our cashflow and grants pipeline, and to participate in governance discussions. Siju brings experience in financial management overseas and is a semi-qualified Chartered Accountant. Karen Lawton Karen joined the MECFS Canterbury committee in February 2022, as a consequence of having a family member who lives with ME/CFS and its impacts. Karen has experience in writing applications for government funding for companies, in sponsorship and funding for various regional and national photographic events, and as registrar for the NZ Acupuncture Standards Authority. Her main focus for our organisation is to ensure that the organisation attracts grants to sustain and grow the support needed by our local ME/CFS community. Tom Harris Tom joined MECFS Canterbury and the Committee in April 2022. He has had CFS on and off for about 8 years. Tom trained as a psychology researcher, is an experienced muscian, and runs an AI Education company. He is an avid follower of new ME/CFS research (which he blogs about) and contributes to the quality of our written material and awareness raising activities. Ruth Keating Ruth joined our Board in January 2025, and brings experience as a lawyer working in NZ, London and Melbourne in both large firms and most recently in house as a General Manager. Ruth has a rare auto immune condition and has lived experience with Chronic Fatigue, and has had to stop working. Since 2022 she has been solely focusing on furthering her Governance career in Not for Profit entities. She is a Chartered Member of the NZ Institute of Directors. Advisors Jan Barber, Board Advisor Jan is a Clinical Pharmacist by training but since 1997 worked in various roles in the New Zealand health system, including the Health Funding Authority, General Practice Organisations and Regional District Health Board organisations. From 2011 until May 2017, she was employed by the five South Island DHBs as the General Manager of the South Island Alliance Programme Office (SIAPO). Jan also has a history of governance experience for netball charities. Jan joined our committee in Feb 2021 and made significant contributions around strategy, governance processes and recruitment. In January 2025 she resigned from our Board, but continues to provide valuable support. Richard Everts, Medical Advisor Dr Richard Everts is a hospital and community Infectious Disease Specialist and Medical Microbiologist based in Nelson who has maintained an active clinical interest in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for 30 years. In 2025, Richard retired from seeing ME/CFS patients. In 2026, he kindly accepted the opportunity to put his experience and knowledge to use as a Medical Advisor for MECFS Canterbury. The main goal of this role is to provide senior clinical support and encouragement for our nurses, alongside reviewing our handouts and material and supporting funding applications and education activities. Please note that Dr Everts is not available for individual client appointments. Operations Staff Rose Acting Manager Rose has stepped in as Acting Manager until we have worked secured funding for a part time Manager. Rose has responsibility for developing appropriate services, building our team of employees and volunteers, and networking with other service providers. Amanda Registered Nurse Lead Amanda joined our team in January 2023 in a part-time Registered Nurse role. In May 2026, she stepped into a new Lead position to provide senior guidance and management of our Registered Nurse Servce. Amanda continues to work one-on-one with clients alongside this role. Wendy Registered Nurse Wendy joined our team in March 2024 in a part-time role. She has a community nursing background and spent most of her working life in South Auckland. She has personal experience of ME/CFS having a close family member who lives with it. Florence Work and Income Advocate Florence joined us in 2026 as a Work and Income Advocate. Florence supports people to explore their eligibility for the financial benefits and allowances available from Work and Income and to apply for and maintain these. Mell Office Administrator Mell joined us as volunteer Office Administrator in April 2025 to support our team. Mell became a part-time employee in October 2025. She responds to email and phone queries, looks after our library, helps prepare documentation, plus a wide range of other tasks. Angela Local Facilitator - South Anglea started with us in 2025 to facilitate our meetings in Timaru. She is a Social Worker and mindfulness facilitator. In 2026, she became part of our core team and now has a wider role to connect our members to each other and to local services that provide social, emotional and practical support. Hannah Accounts Administrator Hannah joined us in May 2021 to be our part time volunteer Office Administrator, later moving to an employed capacity. In January 2023, she changed focus to the Accounts Administrator role and now looks after our day-to-day financial accounts. She manages these tasks while living with ME/CFS and POTS. Tamara Social Media Coordinator Tamara joined us in this volunteer role in December 2024. Tamara posts content on our social media channels to raise awareness of ME/CFS, our services and guidance for living with ME/CFS and related conditions. Desiree North Canterbury Support Desiree has been a volunteer with us since March 2024 in a Client Outreach and Support role. She helps connect people in our ME/CFS community with others and the wider community. She also provides assistance for working through a next step, developing a special interest, or just catching up with a friendly call. Desiree also helps facilitate our group meetings in Rangiora.. Jordan Christchurch Support Jordan began volunteering with us in the Client Outreach and Supports role for Christchurch in July 2025. She has a BSci in Genetics and is currenlty doing a Masters in Nursing. Jordan is available to provide assistance for working through a next step, developing a special interest, or just catching up with a friendly call or visit. Rissa South Canterbury Support Rissa has provided advice around Work and Income benefits and allowances on a volunteer part time basis for us since February 2022. In the end of 2023, she moved to Waimate and is providing local one-on-one support and assisting with our meetings in Timaru for people with ME/CFS. Vacant Mid Canterbury Support We are looking for a volunteer to be our Client Outreach and Support in Mid Canterbury. This position helps connect people in our ME/CFS community with others and the wider community. The volunteer also provides assistance for working through a next step, developing a special interest, or just catching up with a friendly call or visit. They may also help facilitate our group meetings in the area e.g. in Ashburton. Vacant West Coast Support We are looking for volunteers to be our Client Outreach and Supports on the West Coast. This position helps connect people in our ME/CFS community with others and the wider community. The volunteer also provides assistance for working through a next step, developing a special interest, or just catching up with a friendly call or visit. They may also help facilitate our group meetings in the area. e.g. Westport, Greymouth, Hokitika, Reefton. Vacant Volunteer Coordinator We are currently recruiting for a Coordinator for our Volunteer Outreach Service. This is an important role and involves onboarding volunteers and matching these to clients who need practical or friendly support. Vacant Sponsorship Lead We are currently recruiting for a part time volunteer Sponsorship Lead. This role includes developing sponsorship opportunities and building relationships with companies who may be in a position to support our services for our chronically ill community. Andy Video Editor Andy joined us in November 2024 as a volunteer. He edits the recordings from our educational sessions so that we can share these on our YouTube channel. Jill Afternoon Tea Host Jill joined us in April 2022 as a volunteer. She home bakes delicious gluten free and dairy free treats for our afternoon teas at our group meetings. Stéphanie Seller of Donated Goods Stéphanie joined us in December 2022 as a volunteer to sell items that are donated to us on Trade Me. She manages the listings and sales interactions, and helps us increase our income. Volunteers We have a remarkable team of volunteers who contribute to our organisation or support people one-on-one. Some help with one-off projects and others help on a regular basis. Their support makes a real difference to the lives of the people in our ME/CFS community. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING

  • Join our quiet act of solidarity for people with severe ME/CFS on 8th August 8pm | MECFS Canterbury

    #LightsLowForME creates a visible, low effort way for allies to show solidarity while honouring the often-invisible suffering of people with severe ME < Back Join our quiet act of solidarity for people with severe ME/CFS on 8th August 8pm 1 Aug 2025 #LightsLowForME creates a visible, low effort way for allies to show solidarity while honouring the often-invisible suffering of people with severe ME On August 8 at 8:00 PM, we invite you to join us in a quiet act of solidarity to symbolise the isolation and extreme light sensitivity experienced by people with Severe ME. #LightsLowForME creates a visible, low effort way for allies to show solidarity while honouring the often-invisible suffering of people with severe ME. Severe ME Day honours the 25% of people with #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis who are housebound or bedbound living with the most disabling form of this illness. Many live in quiet, darkened rooms, often unable to eat and requiring care to carry out daily activities. What to do?: At 8:00 PM on August 8, please join us and dim your lights or sit in darkness for a few moments of quiet reflection. If you wish to, take a photo of a candle, soft light or darkened space and share it to your social media. Or use our #LightsLowForME frame or images shared below. Share a quote or fact about Severe ME or use one of our post templates and caption examples. Remember to use the hashtags #LightsLowForME #SevereMEDay and #RememberTheUnseen to quietly show your support. Image Frame: Apply our #LightsLowForME frame to your photo... https://www.canva.com/design/DAGux3PkxTg/p3cun_KzlKxQSH9vhu2KNQ/view?utm_content=DAGux3PkxTg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview Downloadable Images: Post one of our images... https://www.canva.com/design/DAGuzF_JT6o/geIqr1l1LTL_b_eb9DBrOQ/view?utm_content=DAGuzF_JT6o&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview Caption Example 1: I’m turning my #LightLowFor ME this Severe ME Day in solidarity with those forced to live in silence in darkened rooms. #SevereMEDay #RememberTheUnseen Caption Example 2: Tonight at 8:00 PM, I turned my #LightsLowForME for those who live in darkness. Not by choice, but because their bodies cannot tolerate light, sound or touch. Severe ME is a devastating illness, often rendering people bedbound, unable to speak, eat, or even tolerate gentle light. This is for them. We see you. We honour you. #SevereMEDay . We particularly encourage mildly affected followers if they have capacity and allies to carry this message forward. Your participation amplifies the realities of those who don’t have a voice and can't be seen or heard right now in quiet solidarity. For more information about Severe ME: https://www.mecfscanterbury.nz/severity https://anzmes.org.nz/severe-me-day-remembering-the-unseen/ Previous Next

  • Our Organisation | MECFS Canterbury

    Our Organisation MECFS Canterbury was originally established in 1985 as a society under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908. The society's goals were to support and assist people with ME/CFS in the management of this debilitating illness and with the aim of improving their quality of life. In 2024, our organisation moved to a Charitable Trust model. The society, M.E. /CFS Group (Canterbury) Inc, was wound up and all services, staff and assets were transferred to ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast Charitable Trust. We continue to be registered as a charity under number CC32072. We currently trade under the names MECFS Canterbury and ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast. We have grown over the years to become a professional community health and clinical service organisation, providing a range of services and supports for our community. Visit the How we help page to find out more. We serve people in the Canterbury - Waitaha and West Coast - Te Tai Poutini regions in the South Island - Te Waipounamu of Aotearoa New Zealand. These regions include thirteen District Councils. We also support students at the Southern Regional Health School, who may live in any region of the South Island. Our Strategic Plan For 2023-2028 Determine the cooperation opportunities and geographic range of our organisation Enhance the strength of our governance and organisational framework Reach, support and retain more clients and members Support our supporters: health professionals, funders, volunteers, and others Presentations to our AGMs Our Annual General Meetings are held in November of each year. These meetings provide us with an opportunity to share an overview of our service delivery and finances for the year, and to look towards the year ahead. We invite you to watch the videos of our presentation slides from past AGMs. Annual Performance Statements Our audited Financial and Service Statements provide a detailed view of our finances, outputs and activities. If this is your thing, here they are. 2023 STATEMENTS - Not yet audited 2022 STATEMENTS 2021 STATEMENTS

  • Give-a-little Day 2nd December 2025 | MECFS Canterbury

    Radical Rest Challenge - Nominate a friend or two (or yourself) < Back Give-a-little Day 2nd December 2025 19 Nov 2025 Radical Rest Challenge - Nominate a friend or two (or yourself) This Give-a-Little day, we’re inviting our extended community to slow down... Radically! People living with ME/CFS and Long Covid don’t get to choose to rest. It’s not self care... it’s survival. For many people with ME/CFS, especially the approximately 25% living with Severe ME/CFS, even seemingly small activities cause debilitating symptoms. With a broken energy system at a cellular level, it is critical to #StopRestPace and #PlanPacePrioritise to stabilise symptoms and avoid reducing functionality further. So here’s our #RadicalRestChallenge challenge: ✦ Nominate a friend or two (or yourself) ✦ Radically Rest for 25 minutes – This means no screens, no distractions, just full rest with eyes closed. ✦ Donate $10 to support people in our community living with ME/CFS and Long Covid. If you try the #RadicalRestChallenge but can’t make it through the full 25 minutes that’s ok, It’s harder than it sounds! For every minute you can’t complete, add $1 per minute to your give-a-little donation total. It’s a lighthearted challenge with a serious message: for people with ME/CFS, rest is not optional... it’s essential! Let’s show up for those who can’t - by resting with them or donating for them. ✦ Date: Tuesday 2 nd December 2025 ✦ Where: Visit our give-a-little page https://givealittle.co.nz/org/mecfs-group-canterbury-inc ✦ Challenge: #RadicalRestChallenge #GiveALittleDay Every dollar and every moment of awareness makes a difference. Haven't heard the term before? What is Radical Rest? It means complete, uninterrupted rest. No screens, no conversations, no stimulation. People often opt for earplugs and an eye mask. It's a level of stillness that people with ME/CFS rely on to prevent worsening symptoms and to allow their bodies to try and maintain baseline. Download our Radical Rest Challenge poster to share with others. Previous Next

  • World ME Day - Press Statement from ANZMES | MECFS Canterbury

    As we approach World ME Day on 12th May, ANZMES have released a powerful national press statement < Back World ME Day - Press Statement from ANZMES 6 May 2026 As we approach World ME Day on 12th May, ANZMES have released a powerful national press statement As we approach World ME Day on 12 th May, ANZMES have released a powerful national press statement calling for people with ME/CFS to be taken seriously, in healthcare, in policy and in everyday life. This year’s theme “Take ME Seriously” reflects what our community has been saying for decades: ME/CFS is a complex, multi-system illness that requires recognition, accurate diagnosis and appropriate support. Thousands of New Zealanders are living with ME/CFS, many are facing barriers to care, understanding and support. This campaign is a call to change that to ensure people with ME/CFS are believed, supported and given access to the care they need. We encourage our community to take a moment to read and share this important release and join us in raising awareness this World ME Day. https://anzmes.org.nz/world-me-day/take-me-seriously-2026/ #TakeMESeriously #WorldMEDay #MECFS #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #EducateME Previous Next

  • Registered Nurse Service | MECFS Canterbury

    Registered Nurse Service Our Registered Nurses provide a range of clinical supports for our members and their whanau. A Nurse can also talk to your health team, education provider and workplace, to improve understanding and to discuss care and accommodations. The Registered Nurse Service is free and is delivered through home visits, zoom consultations, and other interactions to people of all ages. An initial assessment involves discussing your previous medical history, your current situation and what ongoing supports you may need. Areas of support may include: Clinical support for symptom management and obtaining a diagnosis. Short term loan of a wearable activity tracker, to help monitor the impact of your activity on your symptoms, and to assist you to pace within your energy envelope. Advocacy with GP’s, Physicians, allied health, employers, education providers, whānau and others. Management plans for students attending the Southern Regional Health School. (SRHS is a state school for children in Years 1 to 13 who are unwell.) Referrals to allied health and other external supportive services (including CDHB Occupational Therapy, CDHB LTS-CHC (Long Term Support – Chronic Health Conditions), Pegasus Health PCW (Partnership Community Workers), Comcare – Peer Support, Total Mobility Card) Applications for the Hāpai Access Card which give people with disabilities better access and support from retailers and public areas. Due to funding constraints, our Registered Nurse Service is only available to people who have or suspect they have ME/CFS or Long Covid in the Canterbury and West Coast regions. The exception to this is for young people from throughout the South Island who attend the Southern Regional Health School. Please note that there is currently a waiting list for our Registered Nurse Service and you may need to wait for several months before receiving first contact from a nurse. We apologise for this and assure you that we are working hard to increase the funding for our services. To access this service: To refer yourself to the Registered Nurse Service, sign up as a member and note on the form what help would be beneficial, and one of our team will be in touch. Existing members can email us to request a referral to the Registered Nurse Service. FILL OUT OUR MEMBERSHIP FORM OR ASK YOUR GP TO FILL OUT THE REFERRAL FORM Our Registered Nurse team is also available to provide general information about ME/CFS to medical professionals and community-based service providers.

  • LIVING WITH ME/CFS | MECFS Canterbury

    We have gathered some information that may help you to stabilise your symptoms and improve your quality of life in other ways. Topics include activity management, working with your doctor, financial assistance, and more. We will add to this over time, so please check back. Living with ME/CFS The best approach when learning to live with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis /Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is to implement regular rest and to prioritise what you spend your limited, faulty energy on – we call this ‘pacing’. This is understood to give you the best chance for improving. The aim of pacing is to minimise Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) from occurring, to stabilise symptoms, and to avoid getting worse. It will take some time to explore: • what your activity limits are, • what activities you can manage and what you can’t, and • what approaches help and what don’t. Your energy and wellness levels may change over time, so what is manageable will change too. Unfortunately, there are no treatments that are proven to be completely effective for ME/CFS yet, and not everyone finds benefit from the same approaches. A silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic is that there is more research underway into post-viral illness and this should bring insight and treatments for ME/CFS also. Despite the lack of evidence-based treatments, there are some supplements, medications, aids, and lifestyle changes available that may provide some relief from symptoms or improve your quality of life in other ways. We have provided information about what expert clinicians suggest and what the ME/CFS community have found helpful in the sections below and will add to this over time. Talk to one of our Registered Nurses and/or find a doctor you trust to work with you. They may be able to help with pain, sleep problems and orthostatic intolerance (problems with being upright) and managing food sensitivities, as well as arrangements for home care, financial support, and counselling. Please be aware that a lot of content online or in books is not evidence-based. More research is needed to fully understand the causes and best treatments for ME/CFS. DISCLAIMER: MECFS Canterbury does not provide recommendations for any treatments for your particular situation on this website. Any advice, either explicit or implied, is not intended to replace the qualified medical advice that is necessary for each individual. Please discuss any lifestyle and treatment changes with your doctor first. MECFS Canterbury does not accept any responsibility for any treatment undertaken by readers of any content or for any error or omission in connection with an article or content published on this website. Remember to give yourself permission to rest, practice pacing, accept offers of help, and to be kind to yourself. Activity Management READ MORE Working with your Doctor READ MORE Work and Income Assistance READ MORE Practical Supports READ MORE Lifehacks and Tips READ MORE Supplements and Treatments READ MORE Managing Specific Symptoms READ MORE Mental Wellbeing READ MORE How We Help READ MORE Easy and Ready-Made Meals READ MORE Crash Wear Merchandise READ MORE Discounts for our Community READ MORE

  • Lifehacks and tips | MECFS Canterbury

    Over time, you will discover ways that work for you to save your energy and help to make your everyday activities more manageable. It can be really useful to hear from others what they to do make things simpler and to reduce symptom flares. Lifehacks and Tips Over time, you will discover ways that work for you to save your energy and help to make your everyday activities more manageable. It can be really useful to hear from others what they to do make things simpler and to reduce symptom flares. Anna-Maria's Lifehacks Anna-Maria Covich has collated a range of life hacks learnt from managing (and often failing to manage) her ME/CFS over many years. We invite you to watch the recording of her presentation on her tips and tricks and why she finds them helpful. Whether you are newly diagnosed with ME/CFS or have some experience living with ME/CFS, you are likely to find some new ideas for saving energy and managing symptoms from this session. View the presentation on YouTube or review the pdf of the slide deck . We also have printed booklets of the slide deck - feel free to order a copy from our library. To discuss this topic further, come along to one of our meetings or connect with others online. Other Resources Library of articles on www.cfsselfhelp.org/library from the ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia Self-Help Program, a non-profit organisation founded by Bruce Campbell, PhD, a recovered CFS patient. The ME/CFS Crash Survival Guide from Bateman Horne Centre, USA. Advice from ME Association UK, who are strongly evidence-based. They provide general guidance and leaflets covering a wide range of topics meassociation.org.uk/free-literature-downloads/ Visit our Links page for more information.

  • Support the Businesses of our community members | MECFS Canterbury

    Support the business activities of our chronically ill community We are delighted to showcase some of the businesses and other activities of our chronically ill community. When someone lives with a chronic illness like ME/CFS, a home-based business might be the best option, as it is likely to enable the flexibility to rest when it is needed and to schedule activity carefully. Our community would welcome your support! Click on the images below to view their website or other social media. If you are a member of MECFS Canterbury and have something you would like to promote (e.g. an exhibition, a book, home based business or hobby) please email us. We would love to hear about it and consider it for promoting here. DISCLAIMER: We have no formal relationship with the business activities listed on this website page. Links to these activities are included for convenience. ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast is not responsible for the currency or accuracy of content on such websites and the inclusion of such links does not imply endorsement by MECFS Canterbury of the linked website or its provider, products and services offered. Readers are advised to take their own appropriate due diligence steps prior to engaging with the businesses and individuals listed. @fmm.stones Hand painted stones Fiona paints stones with beautiful designs and colours, and then seals them. There is also a range of gorgeous ladybugs. Great for small gifts, to put in fairy gardens, Christmas stockings, pot plants, etc. Or to leave in a public park for others to find. Katie Cowan Personal development coaching Katie works with people on the things they are struggling with or hoping for, with a particular focus on those seeking post-traumatic flourishing (including after/amidst chronic illness), people at a crossroads or new chapter, and people wanting to play bigger in their lives. Allyssia's Designs Hospital and travel kits & supplies Allyssia creates hospital, emergency and travel kits just for you or whānau. She has a range of premade kits but you can also select exactly what items you need and select the pouch or toiletry bag you want. Saskia Grace Life coaching Saskia offers a safe space, guidance and practical strategies to help you gain clarity and achieve your goals. For people with ME/CFS, she understands the challenges that brings. She also offers you a discounted rate and payment plans. Resolve Consultancy Chronic illness and work Liz is passionate about helping people with chronic fatigue-related health conditions to find accommodations and approaches that enable them to continue working. She also writes for clients on various health-related topics, and is an informed speaker.

  • Work and Income Advocacy | MECFS Canterbury

    Work and Income Advocacy When we live with a debilitating chronic illness like ME/CFS, we may be unable to work to generate income for ourselves and our families. Depending on our family situation, other income and assets, there may be some income support available from Work and Income, a department of the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). We know it can be difficult working through the information and the application steps. We have summarised the income support available and how to access it on the Work and Income Assistance page in our Living with ME/CFS section of this website. You can also be connected to the advocates in our Work and Income Advocacy Service. They provide confidential support to people affected by ME/CFS and will help you to access any assistance that you are eligible for from Work and Income. This service is normally delivered through email, but it depends what suits you best - text, phone call, zoom call or home visits are also an option. The support may include: Helping to determine your eligibility for the different financial benefits and allowances. Assisting in filling out paperwork and applications. With your permission, acting on your behalf as your agent. Working with your GP to ensure any required medical certificates reflect the severity and impacts of your illness. Supporting you through issues with Work and Income. Advocating on your behalf with Work and Income. To access our Work and Income Advocacy Service: Please be aware that our services are only available to people in our region affected by ME/CFS or Long Covid, or those who are currently exploring this diagnosis. If that is not you, please contact Beneficiary Advisory Services (800 000 043 or office@bas.org.nz ) if you live in Christchurch or the Waimakariri District, or find your local service on the Community Law website. To refer yourself to our Work and Income Advocacy Service for people affected by ME/CFS, sign up as a member and note on the form what help would be beneficial, and one of our team will be in touch. FILL OUT OUR MEMBERSHIP FORM CONTACT US If you are already a member, send us an email about the help you are needing.

  • Complaint Process | MECFS Canterbury

    Complaint Process We are committed to providing appropriate and considerate support and advocacy for people affected by ME/CFS and to providing a positive working environment for our staff. We encourage anyone to get in touch with us to let us know if anything has not gone well so that we can put things right and improve for the future. We welcome this feedback in the form of a formal complaint, or as informal comments. Our definition of a complaint: An expression of dissatisfaction from an individual or a group with the standard of support, service, actions, policy, or position of MECFS Canterbury, or our employees or volunteers. How to complain: In the first instance, please contact the person that the complaint relates to. If the matter cannot be resolved, or if you would prefer, please prepare a written description of your complaint, and send to the Manager, or if the complaint relates to the Manager, send to the Chairperson. You will find our email and postal addresses on the Contact Section of our website. What to include in your complaint: What went wrong When and where it happened Who was involved What you want from your complaint Your name, address, and contact details (telephone and/or email). Unless you wish to remain anonymous and accept that this will result in limitations on our investigation and response. You have the right to expect that: Complaints will be treated with appropriate confidentiality. Information will only be shared with people necessary to complete the investigation into the complaint and to determine our response. You will always be treated with respect. At any point, all parties have the right to have their whānau support and/or supervisors and/or advocate present in any meetings related to the complaint. What happens when you complain? The person you have raised the complaint with will discuss the complaint with you within two working days of them receiving the complaint. Please be aware that the majority of our team work part time, so there may be a delay in your complaint being received. All complaints are reported to the Manager within 24 hours of receipt. For matters involving the Manager, the complaint will be reported to the Chairperson. A formal investigation and response process will be initiated if you or the person contacted require it: We may be in touch again to ascertain further information or facts and are likely to contact any other people involved. We will tell you when we plan to come back to you with a response. An independent mediator will be engaged if needed. We will provide a full and formal response in person and/or by letter if this is appropriate or requested. Our response will detail findings of our investigation and state what actions and changes have been put in place. If the matter is significant, the complaint and response will be tabled at the next Committee meeting in a confidential manner. What happens if I am not satisfied? If we are unable to resolve your complaint, you may take your complaint to the Health and Disability Commissioner or Charities Services .

  • Registered Nurse Vacancy | MECFS Canterbury

    We are looking for another part time Registered Nurse < Back Registered Nurse Vacancy 22 Apr 2026 We are looking for another part time Registered Nurse We are looking for another part time #RegisteredNurse to join our small clinical team. Could you help us to make a difference for people with ME/CFS and long COVID? Or do you know someone who might? ____________________________ About #MECFS : ME/CFS is a serious long-term illness. People living with ME/CFS experience a fluctuating severity of symptoms and are severely impacted in the activities of daily living. Appropriate clinical support and guidance for self-management can improve symptoms and quality of life. ____________________________ About Us: ME/CFS Canterbury / West Coast Charitable Trust is a growing community health organisation and charity. We focus on improving the lives of people living with #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis / #ChronicFatigueSyndrome and #longCOVID and their whānau, by providing information, validation, clinical support, connection, practical support and advocacy. We also provide educational opportunities and guidance about ME/CFS for health professionals. We deliver our services in Canterbury and the West Coast of New Zealand. Visit our website www.mecfscanterbury.nz to find out more. ____________________________ For details about the vacancy: ✦ Ad on Seek - https://nz.seek.com/job/91628370 ✦ Closing Date: 8am Monday 11th May 2026 Previous Next

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