New Support Pledged for Local Associations
Local associations will be working more closely with ASBAH to benefit service users across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Members voted unanimously to adopt a Local Association Compact at the national AGM in September - an agreement which was put together after a year-long consultation with the associations.
The network of 39 local associations throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland is a vital resource for thousands of individuals and families affected by spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus and ASBAH is keen to provide support in a variety of forms.
ASBAH will offer help guides in the management of local associations as well as providing good quality publicity materials so all branches of the organisation become more widely known.
The local associations have agreed to have a regular contact point that people can use to get in touch. They will build a resource of local contacts and produce a newsletter on a regular basis.
ASBAH's Executive Director Andrew Russell said: “The need for local contact and support is as strong now for newly diagnosed individuals and families as it was for founder members of the local associations back in the 1960s.
“New families should be able to expect certain key standards from their local association. These basic essentials will form the basis of a new compact between ASBAH and the local associations.”
Many affiliated local associations are thriving and have no problems attracting new committee members who bring in fresh ideas and activities. Others, however, have declining membership and struggle to survive.
Andrew added: “I've learned a lot from local associations. There is a huge scope to work together for the benefit of all and the improved standards will help everyone involved with ASBAH, especially those with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, their families and carers.
Guide to meeting Compact standards
After consultations with local associations, ASBAH has identified seven basic essentials for local associations to strive to achieve and maintain, to meet the key standards of the Compact which is expected to be implemented during the next 12 - 18 months.
Local associations are expected to…
- Be easy to contact by telephone
- Be available for new members - people with SB and/or H and their families
- Make ASBAH's publications and leaflets available
- Send out a regular newsletter
- Provide support for people with SB and/or H
- Keep an up-to-date list of contacts
- Keep ASBAH informed
The Compact also outlines key areas where ASBAH is expected to provide help and support to the local associations.
- Provide technical support and guidance on legal and organisational matters
- Keep affiliated Local Associations informed by a quarterly newsletter
- Give marketing and publicity support where feasible
- Offer expertise in areas such as fundraising and provide signposting
- Work in close partnership to improve local services
- Provide information via a standard information pack
- Provide training on agreed topics
A full copy of the agreement has been sent to all local associations and it is hoped that all 39 will agree to sign up to the Compact. Anyone who has any queries should contact either Andrew Russell on 01733 555988.