IRELAND

Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland continues its tradition as a voluntary organisation, with an elected Board of Directors made up of voluntary members and parents as well as branches in all four provinces which are run by groups of local volunteers. The association has over 4000 members nationwide consisting of, those with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus, their parents, siblings, family, friends and carers. The biggest strength of the association continues to be its members and volunteers. Our members have a wealth of knowledge and experience which is invaluable to the association and its future development.

With the assistance of Government funding and support from the HSE the association has expanded its services nationally. As a result The National Resource Centre is now a professionally run centre, which employs a CEO, a Family Support Team, a Youth and Respite Team, an Educational Officer, a Fundraising Manager as well as administration support.

In 2008 the association became an affiliated member of the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF). We now have a representative from the Board of Directors sitting on the committee for IF (www.ifglobal.org)

The association continues to evolve and is now an active body where paid and voluntary staff work together to support its members as proactively and effectively as possible.