The 25% ME Group: AGM Reports and Ballot Booklet (2026)

Annual General Meeting

The 25% ME Group Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on 1 September 2026 and, due to the nature of the membership, voting will be conducted by postal ballot. Members are asked to approve the previous AGM minutes, Chairperson’s Report, Annual Accounts, Audit Report, and the reappointment of the Independent Auditor, as well as confirm the election of Committee Members and Office Bearers

Review of the 2025 AGM

The previous AGM was held by postal ballot on 1 September 2025. A total of 77 completed ballots were returned, representing approximately 10% of the membership. Members overwhelmingly approved the AGM Minutes, Chairperson’s Report, Annual Accounts and Audit Report, and the reappointment of the Independent Auditor

Committee and Office Bearers

The current Management Committee includes:

• John Breward
• Tanya Harrison
• Ina Wilson
• Hayley Klinger
• Simon Lawrence
• Jan Johnson
• Joan Laverie
• Kate Wilson
• Margaret Totten
• Patricia Williams

Proposed Office Bearers are:

• Chairperson: Simon Lawrence
• Secretary: Jan Johnson
• Treasurer: Margaret Totten

Members are asked to confirm these appointments through the ballot process

Chairperson’s Report

The Group is now in its 31st year of operation and continues to provide support to people with severe and very severe M.E. Funding from grants, trusts, donations, and core funding has enabled the charity to maintain essential services, including:

• Two Advocacy Workers
• A Development and Administration Worker

Demand for advocacy support remains high, particularly because of ongoing welfare benefit reforms. The charity continues to provide practical support that helps members remain living independently in their own homes

Fundraising

The Group continues to seek funding from charitable trusts and other organisations while also benefiting from donations from supporters, members, and M.E. awareness activities. Fundraising remains an important priority to ensure the continuation of frontline services

Key Activities During 2025–2026

During the year, the 25% ME Group was involved in a range of advocacy and awareness activities, including:

• Supporting the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) Inquiry into Severe M.E.
• Providing evidence and briefing papers relating to severe and very severe M.E.
• Contributing feedback to NHS e-learning modules on severe M.E.
• Providing feedback on the Government’s ME/CFS Delivery Plan.
• Participating in Forward-ME meetings.
• Supporting awareness initiatives relating to nutrition and M.E.
• Contributing to the #ThereForME campaign steering group.

Financial Overview

The charity’s annual running costs, including staff salaries, office expenses, and operational costs, are approximately £1,000 per week. Core funding currently covers these costs and enables the Group to continue delivering support services, advocacy work, and participation in policy development and consultation activities affecting people with M.E

Looking Ahead

The 25% ME Group remains committed to supporting people with severe and very severe M.E. through advocacy, awareness raising, practical support, and representation at local and national levels. Continued funding and member support will help ensure that these essential services remain available in the future.