The Network Group HOPE FOR M.E. aims to provide personal support, friendship, prayer, and creativity, and to create links across different areas of the country, preventing the isolation of M.E. sufferers in their homes.

Hope for M.E. came about through a vision that God gave to our patron, Liz Babbs, many years ago. Liz and Jacquie Taylor were brought together at an M.E. retreat that Liz was leading at Lee Abbey. A strong and lasting bond was formed and eventually the group was founded by Jacquie in June 1999, originally as CHRISTIANS WITH M.E. - a prayer group of just 4 people in Leicestershire and Rutland.

That local group now has 15 members and has grown to a national network of over 90 people of all shapes and sizes, including one person who lives in Guernsey. This number includes M.E. sufferers, and well people and carers who have a heart for supporting the group's vision, to reach out to isolated sufferers, Christians and non Christians alike.

The Leicestershire and Rutland Group is the core group of this growing network. They meet on a monthly basis for prayer and social events and, in addition try to visit members who are housebound. They correspond regularly through e-mail and letters and also produce a bi-monthly newsletter for the network. They look forward to expanding by forming new groups across the regions, and other parts of the United Kingdom.

The PURPOSE of the group is for:

• Friendship
• Fellowship
• Prayer Support
• Creativity
• Provision and exchange of information
• Positive Support
• Linking with other M.E. prayer support groups and individuals
• Visiting housebound 'M.E.ers'