Educational Resources for Clinicians & Others

 

 

Dialogues for a Neglected Illness - ME Film Series & Voices from the Shadows’

Resources for Clinicians & Others

 

Creators: Natalie Boulton & Josh Biggs

 

Films

 

'Dialogues for a Neglected Illness' Film Series
 

Purpose

These Wellcome-funded educational videos explain ME, including Severe and Very Severe ME, using patient, carer, and expert perspectives. They are widely used in medical education and carer training.

 

Main page

https://www.dialogues-mecfs.co.uk

Easier access page

https://www.meresearch.org.uk/information/dialogues/

 

Key Videos (direct links):

 

1. Introduction to ME

https://www.dialogues-mecfs.co.uk/films/introduction-to-me-cfs/

 

 

2. Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM)

https://www.dialogues-mecfs.co.uk/films/post-exertional-malaise/

 

 

3. Pacing and Activity Management

https://www.dialogues-mecfs.co.uk/films/pacing/

 

 

4. Severe & Very Severe ME

https://www.dialogues-mecfs.co.uk/films/severeme/

5. Graded Exercise Therapy (GET)

https://www.dialogues-mecfs.co.uk/films/graded-exercise-therapy/

 

 

6. The Tangled Story of ME/CFS

https://www.dialogues-mecfs.co.uk/films/the-tangled-story-of-me-cfs/

 

7. Symptoms - Patient Accounts

https://www.dialogues-mecfs.co.uk/.../patients-experiences/

 

 

'Voices from the Shadows'

Directed and produced by Natalie Boulton and Josh Biggs.

A powerful 30-minute documentary that tells the lived experience of people with severe ME, focusing particularly on children and families. One of the first films to highlight the reality of severe ME from patient and carer perspectives.

Screened internationally and remains a significant educational and advocacy resource.

Main Page: https://voicesfromtheshadowsfilm.co.uk/

Young People with ME

Two world renowned ME paediatricians, Prof Peter Rowe and Dr Nigel Speight, discuss paediatric ME diagnosis, symptoms and management in two short videos for medical professionals,

 

https://voicesfromtheshadowsfilm.co.uk/paediatric-mecfs/

 

 

 

Book

 

Carers of People with ME: 'Lost Voices from a Hidden Illness'

Compiled by Natalie Boulton, ‘Lost Voices’ (2008) is a collection that highlights lived experiences of people with ME, especially those severely affected. The book offers rare and powerful insight into Severe ME through the voices of those living with Severe ME and the parents who care for them.

An in-depth study of the book by Leonard Jason identified key themes and along with quotes from parents of individuals with Severe ME, reveal the complex and demanding role of carers supporting people with Severe ME.

Together, these themes provide an honest overview of the challenges, responsibilities, and emotional toll experienced by carers.

https://meadvocatesireland.blogspot.com/2025/06/an-analysis-of-carers-role-in-severe-me.html

 

 

Thanks

We extend our sincere thanks to filmmakers Natalie Boulton, Josh Biggs, and all others who have contributed to the resources listed above. We are equally grateful to those who have shared insights from lived experience, including patients, carers, family members, friends, researchers, doctors, healthcare professionals, and scientists. Your generosity, time, and invaluable energy have made a profound difference, and we are deeply indebted to you.