The Discover M.E. Experience

Discover M.E. is a short, animated film, produced and directed by Professor Deepa Mann-Kler, Chief Executive of NEON and Visiting Professor of Immersive Futures with Ulster University, who specialises in the use of immersive technologies for health.

Professor Deepa Mann-Kler

The Discover M.E. Experience has TWO parts:

Part 1 - A powerful virtual reality film that immerses viewers in the lives of six people in Northern Ireland with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Told in their own voices, it challenges misconceptions and reveals the stark reality of living with this disease. The film is available in two formats: a standard 2D version, or the unique VR headset version—an innovation that delivers the most immersive journey.

Part 2 - A fully CPD-accredited training resource, worth 3 CPD points, delivered through the Demystifying M.E.information pack. Designed for flexibility, it is available both online and in hard copy. The pack draws on trusted sources, including the NICE Guideline for ME/CFS (NG206), alongside insights from world-leading researchers, clinicians, and specialist organisations—ensuring accurate, evidence-based learning.

Booking

The Charity offers the Discover ME 2-Part Experience FREE to all healthcare providers and medical students.

Contact us to arrange your own digital, Discover M.E. experience, or book an in-person session for your healthcare team or medical student group.

The Discover M.E. film was first premiered by Professor Mann-Kler at our 2023 Annual Conference, held in Parliament Buildings, Stormont. Following its debut, the film and the virtual reality experience, is now incorporated into our annual M.E. Awareness event for medical students at Queen’s University Belfast, where it is now showcased alongside the screening of the award-winning documentary UNREST.

From June 2025, the film has also be included as a teaching resource within the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s University Belfast.

We warmly invite you to watch the premier screening below: (9.49 mins)

Winner of Awards

To date, the film has won 4 international short film awards:

Global Shorts Winner 2022
Best Shorts Competition
Pinewood Liftoff Global Network Sessions 2022, and
Delta International Film Festival 2022

Research and Evidence

Our Discover M.E. VR project has been evaluated in a peer-reviewed study published in BMC Medical Education (2024) The research found significant increases in knowledge and empathy among medical students and healthcare professionals after using the immersive experience — highlighting its value in improving understanding of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

Discover M.E. film is a collaboration between Hope 4 ME & Fibro N.I., Silverink, Enter Yes, and Neon, with funding from NI Screen. The project was first conceived in November 2019 and our members continue to fundraise to cover costs of the production and ongoing distribution of the hard copy information packs, Initially, 4 Virtual Reality headsets were funded by The Saturday Hospital Fund with a further 2 being funded by an award from Danske Bank's employee, charity giving fund.

12/05/2023