Skype's The Limit is the name of a project so named in order to focus attention on just how valuable and versatile a new tool Skype is. In our world, it is virtually limitless.

Our organisation, ME Free For All.org, which raises awareness of the dreadfully disabling neurological illness ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) and provides support and advice for its sufferers, their families, carers, researchers and doctors, has no funding whatsoever and relies on volunteers to keep the wheels turning.

Although we are based in Bristol and some of our volunteers work here in the same room on a network of three computers, which were donated by some generous people of Bristol and Bath when they upgraded, we can now have people working for us, from all walks of life and from anywhere thanks to Skype.

Some of you won't even know what Skype (rhymes with "pipe") is yet, perhaps never heard of it, while others will be using it and already know the great benefits it brings. For raw beginners, don't worry, it's dead easy to get on to your computer and use. Skype is a way of talking from one computer to another. So long as you have a broadband connection, it is absolutely free to talk to anyone, anywhere in the world - especially great if you have friends or relatives abroad.

So, it's a boon for us because we can increase our number of volunteers but it can be of help to potential volunteers too, for a number of reasons.

We can reach people who live out of travelling distance to our office; who may be tied to their house because of a physical disability, or not able to go out because of agoraphobia, or depression. Some may find it hard to get a regular job because they have been in prison, or are recovering addicts. Anyone can have a go with us and, perhaps, use it as a stepping stone into paid employment.

If you're ready to give it a try, go to our website, www.mefreeforall.org and click on the Skype icon. You can't miss it and we hope you won't miss this opportunity to join us. Finally, if you are a skilled Skype user, will you consider helping us in training the beginners?

drjohngreensmith@mefreeforall.org