Hi Guys

My name is Sheila and I am the Regional Young People’s Development Worker for ME North East – a role made possible by 3 year funding from BBC Children in Need.

I have now been working for ME North East since August 2003. Previous to that I spent many years working in the travel industry, but always wanted to be involved in voluntary and community work. I was therefore delighted to see the post advertised for ME North East back in May 2003. I did a lot of research to support my application and was even more delighted, when I was offered the job!

As someone who had ME some 10 years ago, I do have an understanding of the frustrations that the illness can bring – I recovered after about 3 years, but still have the odd “ME” day (just warning you for when my memory goes or I say the wrong word!).

So, what do I do…well, it would be easier to say “what don’t I do?!” – but here are just a few of the activities my role involves:

• Meet with key service providers in health, education and social services to promote awareness of ME and the needs of young people and their families/carers.
• Assist in the production of the quarterly Newsletter.
• Raise awareness of ME and services for young people through a promotional plan – fundraising events such as the Great North Run and the Tyne Bridge Abseil.
• Offer support and information on the telephone help line.
• Design and keep the young people’s web site up and running.
• Recruit and train a network of volunteers to be involved in a variety of activities.

When I am not working for ME North East, my passion is travelling. As I spent many years in the travel industry, I was fortunate to travel all over the world. Indeed, before starting with ME North East, I spent a couple of months travelling around the jungles in Borneo!! This year plans are not finalised yet, but look as though they may include Burma, Thailand and Hawaii!!

I also enjoy swimming – I do an hour before work every day – walking, reading and socialising with friends. Running the Great North Run every year definately keeps me fit!.

I would like to thank BBC Children in Need and ME North East for giving me this wonderful opportunity to develop this very exciting and challenging role and look forward to working with and for you all.

We would be delighted to recieve any comments, ideas and suggestions that you may have. Help us to to make this NEW and ongoing initiative work.