About Us

Mission Statement

Our Mission is to create awareness and to provide information regarding the late effects of polio among Polio Survivors, statutory agencies and the wider medical profession, and to ensure that the needs of Polio Survivors relating to their condition are met to enable them to live with dignity

Diagram showing our services and supports for Polio

Click to view diagram showing our policy and management programmes

The Group was formally established in 1993 following an earlier meetings of three Polio Survivors. The objective from the outset was to assist people who were experiencing the Late Effects of Polio (Post Polio Syndrome). The lack of information available to Polio Survivors about their condition had been identified as a significant problem

THE POST POLIO SUPPORT GROUP focuses on maintaining the independence and dignity of Polio Survivors supporting them at work, in the home and otherwise.

The Group presently has a membership of approximately 700 people, most of whom contracted polio in early life and are now experiencing problems with the Late Effects of Polio. It works to set up linkages between survivors so that no one feels isolated or alone. It provides many support programmes and fundraises to assist the Group to continue a high level of support to Polio Survivors, of whom there are more than 7000 in Ireland

Membership and Board Structure

Post Polio Support Group is a National Voluntary Organisation with members throughout Ireland. The Group has a Board of Directors & Trustees, a number of Committees, Regional Representatives, Social Support Group Conveners, and Leaders (Ring Ring Project) in each HSE region. The Board of the organisation currently consists of 11 members. One third of these must present for re election annually. The Board meet at least 6 times each year.

Status

The Post Polio Support Group is a Registered Charity No.CHY 11356, "Eligible Charity" Section 45, Finance Act 2001, and a Limited Company.

Funding

The main source of funding comes from grants made by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Grants are received from other bodies, most notably, from the Polio Fellowship of Ireland (RehabCare) for specific expenses and services. Post Polio Support Group relies heavily on fundraising from the general public and corporate bodies to provide the integrated service required to comprehensively assist Polio Survivors.

Personnel

Post Polio Support Group employs an Executive (3 personnel), which manages the day to day working of the Group. The Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, who are all voluntary, liaise with and assist the Executive. Other Board members handle specific projects e.g. the Newsletter and Fundraising, they also assist by attending at necessary meetings, conferences etc. and with the perusal and reporting on specialised documents.

Core Objectives

To create awareness and provide information on Post Polio Syndrome
To support Polio Survivors
To advocate on behalf of Polio Survivors

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