From the chairman...
ASBAH believes in a future in which everyone with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus can lead a fulfilled life. Every year we set ourselves ambitious targets to ensure that we continue to do what we do best: providing support to the people who are affected and to their families.
We do this by campaigning - 2007 has seen success in our biggest campaign: lobbying the government to fortify flour with the vitamin folic acid. The Food Standards Agency now agrees and, while not all thedetails are resolved yet, ASBAH estimates the measure could reduce spina bifida pregnancies in the UK by 25%.
We do it by supporting - our dedicated service teams work with other agencies to offer a growing range of support to our service users to improve their quality of life. We work with people and departments in the health, education and welfare sectors to make a real difference to the lives of disabled children and adults.
We do it by informing - raising awareness of spina bifida and hydrocephalus through our national helpline and information sheets and working with other agencies.
We do it by researching - our current programme funds projects including studies into MRI scanning and shunts, a study of a complete population of adults with spina bifida and a new study of the health and psychological effects of hydrocephalus in adults.
All that is made possible by our fundraising. Once again we are very grateful to all our donors for their generosity and their enthusiasm. Every penny raised is vital to our work and all that hard-earned money will be spent where it is most needed.
My thanks must also go to everyone at ASBAH for making 2006/07 another successful year. Our dedicated and skilled trustee board and staff are personally and collectively motivated to make a difference to the lives of our service users, who are also playing an important part in the Association as trustees, on our user forums and other consultative committees.
We look forward to another year of improving our standards, strengthening relations with our many partners and promoting ability beyond disability.
Richard Astle
Chairman
