Member Services
To add to the stress of a chronic illness, having ME/CFS is a financial challenge with many sufferers struggling to make ends meet, especially those living alone.
We offer meaningful services to make the everyday easier.
How Can We Help
Often there will be struggles with connection and no one to talk to. There may be basic household goods that are unobtainable for some.
In acknowledgement of the little support for people chronically ill with ME/CFS that there is available, ME RESPITE has developed a support programme, providing ready-to-eat food to those in need. This is supplemented with household groceries, a supermarket delivery fee rebate programme, support groups, and regular wellbeing checks.
With a membership fee to simply offset the costs of our administration, we understand the struggle and offer hardship assistance to those who need it. We also work with specific dietary requirements to ensure the offerings are suitable for those who need them.
Our Services
Our Services are a direct response to what our recipients need and value the most. We understand the importance nourishing food has on the body, helping its recovery and function. Our trusted Medical Advisor, Dr Ros Vallings, emphasises the importance of good nutrition for maintaining a positive outlook for those with ME/CFS. She also stressed how important it is for those who have ME/CFS, to connect and share their journey with others.
As a small charity, we target our support in a way that best serves our members. If there is a service you need that is not listed here – please get in touch. We may be able to help or assist you with obtaining help from another organisation that provides what you need. We are always looking at ways to better what we do and we listen to your feedback.
Our MEals Programme
Our MEals programme is popular with most of our members. We currently offer food delivery in the Auckland Metropoliton area, but are working with our sponsors and volunteers to extend that to further reaches around Aotearoa NZ.
We understand the financial strain these conditions place on our members and work to take off some of the pressure by providing meals, discounted supermarket deliveries, and groceries to our members across the country.
Food Parcel Delivery
Auckland Metropolitan Area
We have available some dry/ambient goods we are able to pass on to our recipients. These are quality, donated items so we are not able to guarantee a delivery or specific items, but every bit helps. Auckland Metropolitan area only.
Soups
Auckland Metropolitan Area
We have available chilled or frozen soups which we can pass onto our recipients. These are donated items so we cannot guarantee the exact flavour of soup but they include GF, DF and Vegan soups.
Supermarket Delivery Fee Rebate
You pay for your groceries we reimburse you for the delivery fee. A simple way to reduce the cost of being able to obtain groceries for those who struggle to get to the supermarket.
Supermarket Delivery Saver
We have a limited number of spots where we are able to cover the cost of a Supermarket Delivery Saver programme. This allows unlimited supermarket deliveries at no extra delivery cost and is self managed.
Our Support Programme
Support and assistance comes in all forms and is personal to those who need it. We offer online connect groups as a way of staying in touch with others who understand, care about and are interested in your journey. We supplement this with a regular wellbeing call to remind you that we care, we listen, and we believe you.
You may need something for the house, clothing, or another out of the box service that isn’t available anywhere else. We try to help in every way we can. Just reach out – we are here.
Connect Group
Our Connect Group meets on a regular basis online. This is a social group with an opportunity for those who need it to engage in meaningful connection – sharing stories of experience and hope. All are welcome.
Regular Wellbeing Checks
We contact our members regularly to check on their wellbeing. There may be times where there is an additional struggle and we will help connect our recipients with additional services available to them. It is important to us that our recipients know we care, we are there and we believe them.
Basic Household Goods
Through our op shops we are able to source quality pre-loved items, providing basic household goods and clothing to those who need them most.
If you are able to donate in any way to support these programmes we would be grateful.
If you would like to become a Volunteer Delivery Driver please contact us.