UNICORN SELF
HELP GROUP
for sufferers of Ataxia and other neurological disorders
Registered Charity No.1080172
We are a group who offer mutual help, companionship and support to sufferers of Ataxia and other neurological disorders, their families and supporters.
We are based in Portsmouth, England to serve the three counties of Hampshire, Dorset and Sussex but we also welcome anyone else who is interested.
Being
told that you have a rare problem usually comes as something of a shock as you
may not have heard of ataxia or your particular condition before. At the onset you will most probably have spent some time
discussing your condition with your GP and / or neurologist but no doubt found
it difficult to take it all in at the time.
It is only later that the questions and worries start to flood into your
mind and this is why our self help group was formed.
The
object of the group is to impart knowledge and information gained from personal or
close experience of ataxia and other neurological disorders by members of the group; to improve understanding and
to modify attitudes, beliefs and standards of the community towards sufferers.
The group also aims to bring together sufferers and carers allowing them
to share their experiences and problems through meetings and newsletters.
The
group holds monthly meetings following which a newsletter is circulated to
members which keeps those unable to attend fully informed of events.
We also have a lunch at a local hotel at
Christmas and in the summer.
All
members, who have to be 18 years old or over, are asked to submit an annual membership fee of £5.00. A membership
card is issued on receipt of your subscription.
All other members of the sufferers family and those who care for the
sufferer are covered by this membership although under our rules, a family is
classed as a member organisation, entitled to one vote.
We
are members of the National Ataxia Foundation of America. From these sources and
many others we are kept up to date on the latest research information.
From time to time we organise various fundraising activities. Not only does this help our funds but it also creates a better public understanding of the problem.