Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart opens exhibition in the Millennium Court Portadown

Article from Portadown Times and Lurgan Mail By Valerie Martin

Photo from left, Eilidh Gilmore Charity Chairperson, Carla Lockhart, Hope Craft Group Coordinators Chloe and Kathryn McGowan.

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart opens new exhibition in Portadown aiming to raise awareness of M.E., Fibromyalgia and Long Covid.

The ‘Hope 4 M.E & Fibromyalgia NI’ exhibition showcases artwork created by a craft group comprised of people living with the conditions. The exhibition aims to heighten awareness about these often misunderstood and invisible conditions, while also promoting education, advocacy and improved understanding among the wider public and healthcare professionals.
It was opened by Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart, who used the event to highlight the urgent need for greater awareness, improved support and better services for those affected.

She said: “I was delighted to open this important exhibition and support a cause I have been proud to champion both here in Northern Ireland and in Westminster. Hope 4 M.E & Fibro continue to do exceptional work in giving a voice to those too often overlooked.

With around 38,000 people in Northern Ireland living with M.E., Fibromyalgia and Long Covid, this is not a niche issue. It affects thousands of individuals and families across our communities, many of whom continue to suffer in silence.

This exhibition is a powerful reflection of lived experience, particularly highlighting the reality for those living with severe illness, including many who are housebound or bedbound. It challenges people to better understand the daily realities faced by sufferers and why improved awareness matters.I was particularly struck by the charity’s work to raise awareness of post-exertional malaise, a defining feature of M.E. that remains too poorly understood, as well as its efforts to improve education and safe care for patients. This is vital work.

Hope 4 M.E & Fibro have, since 2011, supported patients, raised awareness, developed educational resources and campaigned tirelessly for specialist services. Their work is making a real difference and deserves recognition.
I also welcome the launch of their poetry book, ‘Words That Hold Us’, which shares the personal experiences of those living with M.E., Fibromyalgia and Long Covid through creative expression. It is a powerful and moving initiative."

The DUP MP said she was encouraged by the work underway to improve clinical awareness through educational webinars and clinical update resources for healthcare providers.

Earlier recognition, accurate diagnosis and better understanding can make a real difference to outcomes for patients,” she said. The reality remains that there is currently no dedicated M.E. consultant or specialist service in Northern Ireland, and that must change. Those living with these conditions deserve to be heard, believed and properly supported.
Too many people have battled stigma and misunderstanding for too long. This exhibition is not only about awareness, it is a call for action. I will continue working alongside campaigners to press for greater understanding, better services and the support patients deserve.”

Encouraging people to visit the exhibition, Carla Lockhart said everyone will be made most welcome to call in, reflect on the powerful stories being told through the artwork and gain a deeper understanding of the realities faced by those living with these conditions.

It is a moving and thought-provoking exhibition, and I commend everyone involved in bringing it together. I hope many people will take time to visit, reflect and support this important cause,” she said.

The exhibition continues until Tuesday, June 30

Published 3rd May 2026, 10:43 BST