F u n d r a i s i n g
UK Potsies are dedicated to raising money for the Autonomic Charitable Trust. The ACT is an incredible charity which has a dual mission; to raise awareness of autonomic disorders (which remain under-recognised), and to advance clinical research into conditions affecting the autonomic nervous system. They intend to improve knowledge of autonomic conditions amongst GP’s and hospital staff.
Although steady progress is being made, much more is needed if it is to help the many with often undiagnosed or mistreated conditions. The ACT much longer aim is to foster establishment of autonomic centres in major UK institutions. The ACT has already given a £50,000 grant to help with research. Please consider making a donation to the ACT and helping with research and awareness of autonomic disorders via our link below.
What is the ACT about?
-Objectives and aims-
These include:
To increase awareness and recognition of disorders of the autonomic nervous system amongst the public and also the medical/allied healthcare professions:-Through clinical and translated medical research to improve diagnosis, ensure appropriate investigation, and provide evidence based individually tailored treatment for a range of autonomic conditions. These will include autonomic dysfunction associated with common and major diseased/disorders, examples being Parkinson's disease, postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) and diabetes mellitus.
-Charitable activities-
These include:
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Award of a Postdoctoral Fellowship to the Institute of Neurology, University College London/UCLH Trust, which provided salary and ancillary support for Dr Andrew Owens.
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To continue the support and formation of groups sumach as POTS Fighting Forces, a lay group who have substantially increased awareness of autonomic dysfunction amongst the public.
-Public benefit-
This will benefit those affected from autonomic dysfunction, which can affect the entire age spectrum, from the newborn to the elderly. Benefit will extend to carers and relatives/families of those affected. There should also be benefit to tho these not connected directly; an example is by improving diagnosis and treatment of autonomic causes of fainting (syncope), prevention of accidents at the workplace and while driving will be reduced and ideally avoided.
-Future Developments-
These include:
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To advertise another round of awards for clinical research.
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To increase membership of the Medical Advisory Panel (MAP), to aid targeting of priority areas and referring of grant applicants and their projects.
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To arrange seminars linked with key autonomic groups so that there is wide discussion of autonomic problems and needs of patients.
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To continue ensuring autonomic disorders are actively discussed at medical meetings.
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There will be participation at major symposia/congresses nationally and internationally, examples being those organised by the Royal College of Physicians London, the Parkinson's Disease Society, and the European Academy of Neurology. This should increase awareness among professional and specialist groups dealing with conditions where autonomic dysfunction should be actively considered, investigated and treated.
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To liase with the Royal College of General Practitioners with proposals to increase awareness and knowledge of autonomic disorders at a primary medical care level.
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To strengthen links, and encourage formation of disorder focused groups, an example being www.ukpotsies.org.uk that specifically encourages support of ACT and donations to the charity.
You can find more information on the ACT's trustees and accounts here.
Why not get involved and help to raise money? You can also create your own fundraising events and fundraising pages using the link on this page. Anyone of any age can get involved! If you are thinking of doing a long walk or run-why not get sponsored to help the cause? Perhaps even a bake sale or coffee morning to help fundraise for the ACT.