Wanted:

Ambassadors for the NMCB Biobank (experts by experience)

(maximum 4 hours per week)

Have you participated in the NMCB biobank yourself? Then you can once again make an important contribution.

The NMCB biobank is essential for scientific research into ME/CFS and other post-acute infection syndromes. The more people participate, the stronger the research becomes. As an ambassador, you help other patients take part in the NMCB biobank. In doing so, you directly contribute to more knowledge, greater recognition, and better treatment in the future.

What will you do?

Patients who would like to participate in the research sometimes do not know what to expect or find certain aspects, such as online questionnaires, complicated. It helps to receive information from someone who has already gone through the process and can explain from experience how it works.

As an ambassador with lived experience, you inform interested individuals about participation. You explain, based on your own experience, what participation entails and help people with practical questions, for example about completing questionnaires.

You will have contact with interested individuals via email, and sometimes also by phone, WhatsApp, or video call. You work from home and spend a maximum of four hours per week. You decide yourself when to dedicate your time, depending on your energy levels.

You are not expected to answer medical or content-related questions. These are handled by staff at Amsterdam UMC. You are the point of contact for practical matters.

What do we offer?

You will first follow an online training course. In this training, you will receive information about the NMCB biobank, the steps for participants, the questionnaires, and your role as an ambassador.

The training consists of three sessions with a small homework assignment. You will not have to do everything on your own afterwards: you will receive guidance and peer support from the NMCB, the ME/CFS Association, and MECVS Netherlands in your new role as an ambassador for the NMCB.

If your health allows, you will be invited to meet the biobank team in advance at Amsterdam UMC, AMC location.

You will receive a volunteer allowance, if you wish.

Who do we search?

We search people who:

• have previously participated in the NMCB biobank
• are willing to share their experiences of participation
• can clearly explain practical information
• understand the importance of handling personal questions confidentially
• can communicate comfortably via email, and optionally also by phone or video call
• can work independently from home, up to four hours per week
• are willing to follow training and participate in peer support sessions

Even if you have limited energy, you are warmly encouraged to apply. Together we will explore what is feasible for you and how we can tailor the role to suit your situation.

Interested?

Would you like to contribute as an ambassador to improving research into ME/CFS?

Please respond no later than March 29 by sending an email to Naomi van Ravesteijn at:
vrijwilligers@me-cvsvereniging.nl

We will contact you within a week to schedule an online introductory meeting.

Do you have content-related questions about the training and peer support? You can contact Eric Vermeulen via:
ambassadeur-NMCB@amsterdamumc.nl.