Annual Review 2012
21 years providing information, improving understanding and reducing anxiety
Brain and spine conditions There are several hundred different conditions of the brain and spine and together they affect about 10 million people in the UK. These conditions affect both children and adults and in many cases have a long term pattern without the prospect of a cure in the immediate future. Neurological conditions and associated treatments are often complex and poorly understood by those affected and their families. The Brain and Spine Foundation was founded in 1992 and is committed to improving the support and provision of quality information available to individuals in order to reduce anxiety and help inform their choices.
Financial summary Income £879,557 Expenditure £571,572 £1 expenditure breakdown:
Source: Trustee Report and Financial statements 2011-12 (copy of this report available from BSF office or from the website www.brainandspine.org.uk/aboutus)
Improving services to reach more people
We relaunched our website in November 2012 to make it easier for users to find information. In 2012 we have had over 100,000 requests for printed brain and spine information. The average number of visitors to our website increased to over 70,000 a month for the first time. We received over 3,500 calls and emails to the nurses on the Brain and Spine Helpline this year. Over 500 people took part in sponsored events for the Brain and Spine Foundation during 2012. We shared updates on neurological conditions and treatments with over 1,000 Facebook users and 3,000 Twitter followers.
What we offer We currently provide over 25 informative booklets and fact sheets on different conditions. www.brainandspine.org.uk provides information to more than 70,000 visitors every month. www.aboutbraininjury.org.uk is our website specifically designed to help young people affected by an acquired brain injury. Our Helpline is staffed by neuroscience nurses and is used by both patients and relatives to understand their personal situations better. We work closely with many other organisations which have specialist knowledge or experience in specific conditions. Our discussion forums on the website and on social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Google+ offer more opportunities to share experiences and anxieties. There is no charge to individuals using our services.
What our callers and web visitors say “It was nice to get straight answers to my questions.” “Amazing conversation,….. so much information perfectly explained with great patience.” “Thank you for providing a brilliant free service. I am feeling much better informed about the issues I have been worrying about with my mother.” “Thank you for your help and support, for the literature and the person at the end of the phone. For helping me to understand.” “The feedback I received was well researched, well considered and communicated to me in a most friendly and helpful manner.”
We need your support We are very dependent on the families, friends and relatives of people affected by brain and spine conditions for the majority of our income every year. Hundreds of people made donations, took part in events and gave up their time too, ensuring the Foundation could continue its work. Our thanks go to all of them, but in particular we would like to thank the resourceful students who scattered across Europe in the Leeds University Rag 36 hour Jailbreak; the Daily Telegraph and Michael Watson for their continued support of our Virgin London marathon team; Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity and our eye-catching Shrek team in the Great North Run. Congratulations also to David Phillips, our most accomplished marathon runner who has now run over 400 marathons and raised £50,000 for the Foundation in recent years. If you can help us in 2013 with a donation or organising an event do get in touch. We promise not to ask you to run 400 marathons!
21 years of caring 1992 British Brain and Spine Foundation founded by a group of neurosurgeons and neurologists to provide a new focus for understanding brain and spine conditions and their treatments.
1995 First research grants announced with a focus on head injury and brain tumours.
1998 A nurse-led Helpline opens to offer information and support to patients.
2001 Name changed to ‘Brain and Spine Foundation’.
2003 Former boxer Michael Watson completed the London Marathon in 6 days, 2 hours, 27 minutes and 17 seconds, raising over £250,000 for the charity.
2004 Headstrong Children’s Project helps young people affected by brain tumours and acquired brain injury.
2009 New booklet range produced for patients and carers.
2010 Foundation gained accreditation by the Department of Health’s new Information Standard.
2012 New website offers improved access to the 750,000 patients and other visitors seeking information annually.
Brain and Spine Foundation The Foundation provides support and information to those affected by the many conditions associated with the brain and spine. The charity relies heavily on voluntary donations and fundraising events to provide the services which help many thousands of people across the UK every year. You can help the work of the Brain and Spine Foundation by: • Making a donation • Organising or taking part in a fundraising event • Offering your time as a volunteer • Remembering the Brain and Spine Foundation in your will Further details available from the address/telephone number below or from www.brainandspine.org.uk.
Brain and Spine Foundation 3.36 Canterbury Court, Kennington Park 1-3 Brixton Road London SW9 6DE Telephone 020 7793 5900 Email info@brainandspine.org.uk Brain and Spine Helpline 0808 808 1000 www.brainandspine.org.uk Registered Charity (England & Wales) 1098528 A company limited by guarantee and registered in England (Company number 4432677)