BackCare branches are not yet available in all areas, so why not set up your own?
What is a branch?
Local branches exist to provide information, advice and help to back pain sufferers in their local area. Additionally, and importantly, they enable people with often-misunderstood afflictions and those who care for them to meet and discuss their problems with other people in similar positions. Once established, branches, are largely self-sufficient, reflecting in their activities the expressed needs of their members and the facilities available to them. The only constraint placed upon branches is that they must sign the constitution and abide by Charity Commission rules.
Branches provide a range of activities, particularly therapeutic ones like hydrotherapy, supervised swimming, exercise classes, walking and so on.
The branch must use BackCare's charity number 256751 on all letters, circulars and other documents issued by the branch. The branch must keep an income and expenditure account, must have it examined by someone who is not a branch member, and send accounts to Teddington each year for incorporation into BackCare’s published accounts.
In return the Charity sees that the branch is insured for Public Liability up to £2m for any one claim, and provides letter headings, compliment slips, posters and sample leaflets free of charge. Purpose-made posters can also be provided, and videos and display stands may be loaned.
First steps to create a branch
- Look for professional support. The member wishing to set up a new branch should approach those who may be expected to offer professional support and possibly arrange a venue for the first meeting. Examples of such people include Doctors, Nurses, Registered Therapists, (e.g. physiotherapists), Complementary Practitioners, especially registered chiropractors and osteopaths), voluntary service organisers, (e.g. volunteer bureaux, Citizens’ Advice Bureaux, Rotary Clubs).
- Book an inaugural meeting. A date for the inaugural meeting should be agreed a full two months ahead. The room should be booked and a speaker should be arranged.
- Advertise the inaugural meeting. Posters and leaflets advertising the inaugural meeting, produced by or in cooperation with BackCare, should be placed in GPs’ surgeries, hospital out-patient departments, pain clinics, libraries, Citizens’ Advice Bureaux etc., for the month before the inaugural meeting. BackCare will provide or mail the names and addresses of all national members living within specific postal code areas with information on the impending launch.
The launch should be given as much publicity as possible in local newspapers and on local radio.
Conduct of the inaugural meeting
The purposes of the inaugural meeting are
- to explain the aims and organisation of BackCare and the functions of a branch and to seek approval for the formation of a branch;
- to appoint a Chairperson, a Secretary and a Treasurer, and possibly one or two other officers;
- to consider and suggest the types of activities which those present would like to participate in;
- to agree the frequency of meetings; and
- to set a date, time and place for the next meeting.
In order to attract people to the meeting, it is sensible to have an interesting and experienced speaker on back pain for the period after the business part of the meeting.
What makes a successful branch?
Experience suggests that the most successful branches are those that run one or more ongoing therapeutic activity, as well as arranging talks and social events.
Support from medical or therapeutic professionals is also important. Finding an accessible venue that is affordable is key and professionals may be able to help with finding a venue.
For more information contact the BackCare office or any of the existing branches.