About Us

Core Objectives

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

Guiding Principles

The Post Polio Support Group is member led and Polio Survivors are central to its work
Services and supports will continue to be provided, based on needs identified through consultation with members, fairly and within the financial capacity of the Group
The Group will act according to best practice and in line with its Code of Conduct
Sensitivity, empathy and understanding are central to communication with Polio Survivors
Polio Survivors will be encouraged and enabled to live their lives with dignity
The Group will advocate for Social Policy change to encompass the needs of Polio Survivors
The Post Polio Support Group will cooperate and collaborate with other stakeholders, as appropriate

The Group was formally established in 1993 following earlier meetings of 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 850 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, Social Support Group Conveners, and Phone Chat and Ring Leaders in each HSE region. The Board of the organisation can have up to 13 members. One third of these must present for re election annually. The Board meets 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 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 a small executive that 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 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.

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