Polio Survivors Ireland works to maintain the independence and dignity of polio survivors, supporting them at work, in the home and otherwise.
Our Core Objectives are to create awareness and provide information on the needs of polio survivors and on Post Polio Syndrome and to support and advocate on behalf of all polio survivors in Ireland.
Polio Survivors Ireland is a registered charity, CHY 11356 and a company limited by guarantee not having a share capital, registered in Ireland, No. 354283.
Our Guiding Principles
- We are member led and polio survivors are central to our work
- Services and supports are provided based on needs identified through consultation with members, fairly and within the financial capacity of the charity
- We act according to best practice and in line with our Code of Conduct
- Sensitivity, empathy and confidentiality are central to our communication with polio survivors
- Polio survivors are encouraged and enabled to live their lives with dignity
- We advocate where we can for Social Policy change to encompass the needs of polio survivors
- We cooperate and collaborate with other stakeholders, as appropriate.
Polio Survivors Ireland was set up in 1993, as the Post Polio Support Group by polio survivors who were experiencing the Late Effects of Polio (Post Polio Syndrome). The lack of information available to them about their condition had been identified as a significant problem.
Currently we have a membership of approximately 930 people, most of whom contracted polio in early life. Many now experience problems with the Late Effects of Polio or Post Polio Syndrome (PPS). Every polio survivor has individual needs. We help in many ways, including carrying out an assessment of your needs to find out whether you are getting proper support and medical attention. We provide opportunities to link with other polio survivors so that no one feels isolated or alone.
There are thought to be 7,000 polio survivors in Ireland, all who will have increasing needs as they age.
We are the only organisation in Ireland providing practical support (and sometimes more importantly a listening ear) to those unfortunate enough to have contracted polio when babies or young children.
Our Membership & Board Structure
Polio Survivors Ireland is a charity with members throughout Ireland. We are run by a voluntary Board of Directors and Board Sub-Committees.
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.
Funding
Our main source of funding comes from grants made by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Grants are received from other bodies for specific projects, expenses and services.
We rely heavily on fundraising from the general public, corporate bodies and occasional grants, to provide the integrated service required to comprehensively assist polio survivors.
Personnel
We employ a small executive staff that manages the day-to-day working of the Group. The Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer, who are all voluntary, liaise with, and assist the executive.
Other members handle specific projects e.g. The Survivor magazine, recruitment of new members and fundraising.
