Reach was formed in 1978
by parents of children who were missing part of their arm or a hand,
in order to lobby for the provision of a new artificial arm under the
NHS. Since then Reach has
grown to become a national organisation providing support and advice
for children with hand or arm deficiencies, and their parents.
The membership includes families with children of all ages, from baby to teenager. A number
of adults with limb deficiencies also belong to Reach,
willing and able to offer the benefit of their experiences. Membership is open to anyone
interested in furthering the aims and objectives, including health professionals, friends and relations.
Reach offers:
· local branches which provide support and an opportunity for children
and parents to meet
· national office providing advice and support
· quarterly newsletter 'Within Reach'
· insurance cover for the child's 'good' arm (covers UK residents from
age 2 as long as they are Reach members)
· hire scheme for one-handed recorders
The Scottish Branch
Carl and Stacy Roulston took over as the Scottish Branch co-ordinators
in 2003, after the birth of their daughter who was born with partial
limb loss. They had no experience of anything like this before and felt
we could benefit from the support of other families.
They aim to keep events informal and based on supporting the whole family.
"The Scottish Branch covers all mainland Scotland and the islands,
which is a huge geographical area. The members vary in age from birth
up to adulthood. Therefore it is very difficult to arrange events which
are suitable for everyone. After speaking to many families we found
that the majority of members had the same concerns therefore we have
tried to meet these concerns. We now have telephone counsellors (parents
of arm or hand deficient children who have an understanding of what
you are going through) and also the use of free professional counsellors
should you need them. This is available for any family member within
the Scottish Branch of Reach"
