This site shares the work of two research projects that focus on Energy Limiting Conditions (ELC), also called Energy Limiting Chronic Illnesses (ELCI).
ELCs include neurological, musculoskeletal and auto-immune diseases, ME/CFS, fibromyalgia and Long Covid, amongst others. They involve energy impairment and debilitating fatigue that affect every part of people’s lives. For more information, on ELCs, see this webpage by Chronic Illness Inclusion.
Many people with ELCs experience problems getting the support they need from health and social care services. Our two research projects look at these problems, and the role that sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, Islamophobia and other forms of oppression play in limiting access to health and social care for people with ELCs. We also provide suggestions as to how these problems can be addressed.
Project Partners
Both projects are in partnership with Chronic Illness Inclusion, an organisation of people living with energy limiting chronic illnesses. Project two also involves a partnership with Healing Justice London, a community-led health and justice organisation, and collaboration with The Lantern Initiative, a social enterprise raising awareness of mental health issues in the Muslim community.
Project 1: Disbelief and Disregard: The Gendered Experiences of Energy Limiting Chronic Illnesses
Using survey data collected by project partner Chronic Illness Inclusion, this project looks at the current and past experiences of health and social care for people who identify as women, trans men and non-binary people with ELCs. We have several resources and reports from this project that demonstrate the issues that people with ELCs face. You can access them here and find out more about the project here.
Project 2: Imagining Better Futures of Health and Social Care with and for People with Energy Limiting Chronic Illnesses.
This project involves working with artists and people with ELCs to explore what the future of health and social care might look like, to better serve people with ELCs. Follow this link to find out more about this project and opportunities to get involved.
The Research Team
Everyone working on the project has their own experiences of chronic illness and/or disability. The project teams are:
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Principal investigator (both projects): Dr Bethan Evans from the University of Liverpool.
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Co-investigators (both projects): Dr Ana Bê Pereira (Liverpool Hope University), and Dr Morag Rose (University of Liverpool).
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Researchers: Dr Alison Allam (both projects), Dr Anna Ruddock (both projects), Catherine Hale (project one), Dr Aaliyah Shaikh (project two), Dr China Mills (project two).
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Medical student advisor (project one): Hannah Kingston.
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Artists (project two): Julian Gray, Mish Green, Louise Kenward.
Research Partners:
In partnership with:
Funded by:
