Charity bucks trend with 300% growth in local support

A small charity has defied the recession to increase its local branches and support groups by nearly 300% in just three years. A grant from the Big Lottery Fund allowed Ataxia UK, the national charity for people affected by a progressive neurological condition, to achieve the surge in growth. The branches and groups are run by volunteers who are affected by the condition themselves.

Sue Millman, Chief Executive of Ataxia UK, said, ‘In these difficult financial times, our branches and groups are providing support the old-fashioned way, by arranging meals out, day trips, and a chance to meet up with people who are in the same position.’

‘It’s a simple formula but our amazing growth shows that it works. The 300% increase is a testament to what can be achieved by the hard work and commitment of volunteers.’

Deanna Kaye, who’s from Harrow in North London, recently started up her own local support group as part of a larger London branch. Deanna, who developed ataxia after she had measles as a child, said, ‘It is a pleasure and a delight to have set up this group in North-West London, especially when I see people chatting away to each other. As we all have problems travelling and use wheelchairs, walkers, and so on, a local group is a good idea. I want to set up pub lunches, outings, speakers and other activities that we can enjoy together’.

As recent research shows that just 7% of people in the UK know what ataxia is, local support is often the only way to meet other people who understand the condition. Deanna said, ‘Not many people have heard of ataxia, so it’s great to be able to come somewhere where people understand you. People with ataxia need emotional support from others who have a common condition’.

Ataxia UK now has nearly 40 branches and support groups round the UK, supported by a Branch Development Manager, whose role was made possible by the Big Lottery Fund.

contact: Claire McGowan at Ataxia UK on 07792 214508 OR 020 7582 1444
cmcgowan@ataxia.org.uk
www.ataxia.org.uk
Background
•Ataxia means ‘lack of order’. People with ataxia have a type of degenerative neurological disorder that affects walking, speech, and co-ordination. Over 10,000 people in the UK have ataxia and there is currently no cure. A recent study showed that just 7% of the public know what ataxia is.

•Ataxia UK is the national charity for people affected by ataxia, providing support services and funding ground-breaking research. In the past five years they have spent over £2 million on research into treatments and a possible cure for ataxia, with several important breakthroughs.

•1-7 June 2009 is National Volunteers’ Week and to mark it Ataxia UK will be honouring the work of our dedicated volunteers.

If you would like to talk to us about media or press issues please contact Claire McGowan on 020 7587 3925 or email cmcgowan@ataxia.org.uk.

Helpline: 0845 644 0606

Charity bucks trend with 300% growth in local support