I probably would not have loads of PACE banners at a general protest where many might not actually know what you're talking about. A specific protest at a good location about PACE might be good idea though. PACE could be gone into in leaflets or if people ask the issues we have with CBT on offer etc.
However pats above ^^^ are great ideas.
One issue from a UK previous missing millions demo in terms of feedback from an MP passing by was they were not clear what the protest was actually about. Whilst people can go to google etc to learn very few will do.
I think looking at photos from the US rallies:
an Impressive use of slogans, soundbites and pictures got across the human suffering and loss - engages public interest and sympathy,
targeted specific intstitutions with specific criticism and demands - NIH on funding and so on.
Having a short list of clear demands was very media friendly too and got away from just another awareness or protest but actually offered up a plan how things should be better.
If you want to criticise UK behavioural approach to serious biological illness or criticise the poor science and model it's based on, here's some ideas although being concise/ punchy isn't a great gift of mine-
M.E needs more than GET - get real
CBT is not cure for systemic disease, fund M.E biological research
We are sick not deconditioned,
Stop fobbing ME/CFS off with inadequate behavioural therapies
Severe pwME are confined to bed - CBT & exercise are not the answers
We need more than CBT, take M.E seriously
M.E needs biomedical research not just talking therapies
Behavioural therapies not solution for M.E
250,000 sick - stop neglecting us
This is systemic disease not fatigue. Do more for M.E.
30 years of CBT and thousands still sick. We need biomedical research.
Having M.E = missing out on life. Help us!
Sick, in pain, with high disability - stop pretending exercise & CBT are the answer
Stop wasting lives and money by failing to fund M.E biological research
The Severely affected are severely neglected #stop ignoring severe M.E
I'd also try highlight the impact
Quoting stats of numbers unable to work which are shocking, the quality of life scores, people are unable to socialise, kids unable to attend school.
Get across the many symptoms beyond fatigue , especially pain which many don't realise
Quite shocking Quotes like
"for me a good day is one I can wash my own hair"
"On bad days I can't move & am in 10/10 pain "
For pictures TYME Trust do a good poster of a tube-fed child saying you think this is just fatigue?
A picture of someone weak in a wheelchair with ear defenders or something saying the treatments on offer are pathetic would be good.
Unfortunately there's so much or get across and even with CBT, blanket statements on inefficacy won't work as the other side will just trot out arguments about the thousands helped so it's difficult to get into nuggets.
Maybe there's some people who've worked in PR or advertising who could step in with help to get clear messages out there ?
If it's in 2 weeks, ME action UK, whatever team they now are, I haven't seen them engaging with the community on direction or publicity, is it left up to individuals attending ? They haven't responded to my post on their Facebook, probably as it wasnt 100% supportive of past protest desigsn & outcomes.
Anyway
Best of luck
