Today, on International ME/CFS Day, the Irish Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome support group launches its "Blue Ribbon" awareness week. This evening in the Holly Brook Hotel, Clontarf, Dublin, Jane Colby, author of MF The New Plague, will give a free public lecture at 8 p.m. As no research has been carried out in Ireland into ME's causes or treatment, monies collected will go to a new research fund. Contributions can also be made to the ME Support Research Fund account at any Bank of Ireland branch or to PO Box 3075, Dublin. Cheques should be made payable to the fund.
Next Sunday the Parkinson's Association of Ireland is holding a meeting for sufferers and carers in the Marine Hotel, Sutton Cross, Dublin, at 3 p.m. The association can be contacted from Monday to Friday on freephone 1800 359359, 9.30 a.m.-1.30 p.m.
The National Dairy Council is marking National Healthy Eating week with two information evenings on Osteoporosis (brittle bone disease) in the Education and Research Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin, and the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan. Both start at 8 p.m.
Samaritan Week takes place from May 17th-24th, when the Samaritans will be raising awareness of their work through various publicity and fundraising events around the country.
Speakers at the Irish Migraine Association self help group's seminar next Saturday in the Royal Dublin Hotel include Dr Mark McClean, clinical psychologist Liz Lawlor and Dr Patrick Magovern. All welcome, 2.30-5.30 p.m., £5.