Huntington's Disease Association (Christchurch) Inc.

HD Association (Christchurch) Christchurch Community House 141 Hereford St CHRISTCHURCH Field Worker: Lynne Switzer C/- 80 Wiggins Street Sumner Christchurch 8081 Tel: (03) 326 5189 Email: Lynne Switzer Chairperson: Diane Collins 8 Fusilier Street Hoon Hay Christchurch 8025 Tel: (03) 960 5913 Email: Diane Collins Association Secretary: Judith Baker PO Box 78 Cust North Canterbury Tel: (03) 312 5612

ORGANISATION
The Huntington's Disease Association [Christchurch] Inc. is an Incorporated Society servicing the people of Canterbury. The Association liases with the other Associations throughout NZ when necessary and has joint affiliation with the International Huntington Association.


MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to individuals and families associated with HD and supporters of the Association. Annual membership (individual or family) is $15 but if anyone is unable to pay this they are not precluded from receiving the National Newsletter, local notices and help from the Field Worker.


EVENTS
AGM: April

Meetings are arranged when speakers from overseas are in Christchurch. There are several social meetings throughout the year for members to get to know one another better and have time to talk.

A Ten-Pin Bowling outing held yearly in October. A Mid-Winter lunch in June or July. An End-of-Year barbeque in December. Meetings are also held for those who have been through the Predictive Test and would like a chance to talk to others in the same situation.


RESOURCES
Booklets, information sheets and audio-visual resources are held by the Association.

Our Field Worker is available to family members and visits all Rest Homes/Hospitals where they have HD residents. All our information is available for training staff.


FIELD WORKER
The Field Worker is employed by the Association for 10 hours per week, and can be contacted on the telephone number above. She is part of a lobby group, a network of people representing those with physical disabilities which meets at St John of God Hospital.


SERVICES
Services available through the Field Worker include information, support, advocacy, problem solving, genetic testing referral, education, public relations, assistance to people with HD, caregivers, people at risk, family members, friends, employers or community members.


LIAISON
With researchers, health care providers, Burwood Hospital, Predicitive Testing team, HD organisations, disability oranisations, community agencies and government organisations.


FUNDING
The Association is funded through membership fees, donations and fundraising.

Funding for our Field Worker is by grants from the NZ Lottery Grants Board and the Community Trust.


If any further information is required please contact either the Field Worker or the Association at the address given above.