We are a charity helping Aucklanders with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), Fibromyalgia, and Long COVID.
Phone: 0800 632 553
Other services
A number of other organisations provide services that can help people with ME/CFS and Long Covid in Auckland. Here are some below.
Many have their own criteria to qualify for their services, and therefore may not cover all people with ME/CFS and Long Covid. Get in touch to find out more.
Home help
NASC
Needs Assessment Service Coordinators (NASCs) help people with health conditions access support services in their community. If certain eligibility criteria are met, then support services may be funded.
Services help patients be as independent as possible in their own home, and can include assistance with personal care, meals, home help and providing time out for carers.
There is usually a maximum of 21 hours per week for personal care support including some basic meal preparation where necessary, and housework support may only be 1 hour per fortnight.
Respite services are also available to carers through NASC.
Coverage
Auckland (+ National)
For information about getting supported services through NASC, please contact our Support Worker, Meghan Keen, via support.worker@meauckland.org.nz
Transport
St John Shuttle
"The St John Health Shuttle is a free community service that transports people to essential medical and health-related appointments, and then brings them home again."
Waitakere & South Auckland (+ outside Auckland)
0800 000 606
N/A
Coverage
Phone
Website
Total Mobility scheme
"The Total Mobility scheme subsidises taxi services to people with serious mobility constraints that prevent them from using public
transport.
It provides:
- vouchers that discount the normal taxi fare by 50%
- funding to help purchase and install wheelchair hoists in taxi vans
- payment to the owner of the vehicle for every hoist trip made."
Auckland (+ national)
09 366 6400
Coverage
Phone
Website
Mobility parking permits
"Mobility parking permit holders can use mobility parking spaces, which are wider than standard parks and closer to venues."
Auckland (+ national)
0800 227 2255
Coverage
Phone
Website
ME/CFS
ANZMES
ANZMES is the National organisation for ME/CFS.
"We provide information, support and practical advice for people, families and carers affected by ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalopathy/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). We also fund and support research, and offer education and training."
ANZMES also runs an online social group for under-21's affected by ME/CFS
Coverage
Phone
Website
Under-21s group
National
09 269 6374 or 03 471 6203
Fibromyalgia & CFS Support NZ
Facebook support group for New Zealanders suffering from ME/CFS and/or Fibromyalgia.
"The Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/M.E NZ Support Group has been set up for members to support each other in a safe positive private environment. Together we are strong and can offer support to each other that is sometimes difficult to obtain through the public health system."
Coverage
Website
Facebook group
National
Other health issues
Fibromyalgia Aotearoa New Zealand
Arthritis New Zealand
Coverage
Website
Facebook group
National
Around 75-80% of people with ME/CFS also have Fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia Aotearoa New Zealand is a "small, start up organisation dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of all kiwis affected by Fibromyalgia. We run online and in-person support groups, and we are currently developing a FMS management curriculum you can use from the comfort of your own home."
On their website, under the 'Support' tab, you can find the links to all their support groups: Local, Facebook and Zoom.
Arthritis New Zealand also help people with Fibromyalgia and run a Facebook support group specifically for people with Fibromyalgia: "An online support group for New Zealanders living with Fibromyalgia. Here we will share useful tips and information associated with living with Fibromyalgia. We encourage group members to post questions, comments to engage with each other. This is a group for sharing stories, advice, tips and tricks. "
Coverage
Phone
Website
Facebook group
National
0800 663 463
EDS: Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes/Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders
Mast Cell New Zealand
"Our Mission is to improve the wellbeing of those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes/Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders in Aotearoa New Zealand by raising awareness, improving knowledge by health professionals and providing support to patients."
Coverage
Website
Facebook group
National
Health & Disability Advocacy
"If you want to know more about your rights when using health and disability services, get questions answered or make a complaint, we can help you to find an independent advocate"
"Mast Cell NZ is a support group for New Zealanders and their whanau living with mast cell disorders (including NZders living overseas) and co-morbid conditions. Mastocytosis, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, Hereditary alpha Tryptasemia Syndrome, with co-morbid Dysautonomias, EDS Spectrum Disorders, and a growing consensus that MCAS may be an underlying cause of symptoms seen in ME/CFS."