GENETIC SUPPORT COUNCIL WESTERN AUSTRALIA (Inc)
The Genetic Support Council WA (GSCWA) is a not for profit organisation that acts as a peak body for genetic support groups in Western Australia, in particular those groups who have elected to become members of the Council. The need for this peak body to coordinate and enhance the effectiveness of community genetic support groups was identified in the Review of State-wide Delivery of Genetic Services in Western Australia, conducted in April/May 2000.
Following that review, a number of genetic support groups established a working committee to bring this to fruition. The Committee proposed that the Genetic Support Council WA (Inc) fulfil the following roles:
Promote awareness of genetic conditions in the community;
Encourage and support effective and efficient management and service delivery practices within genetic support groups;
Assist in the greater participation of consumers in policy, planning, research and service delivery across the genetic services field;
Develop and contribute to policies of common concern to genetic support groups and;
Provide genetic support information, resources and referral services to individuals and genetic support groups;
To promote leadership and cooperation between non-government and community organisations within the genetic services field; and
Act as a mentor for the genetic support groups.
The first Annual General Meeting of the GSCWA was held on the 20 May 2002 and a Board of Management appointed. The Council commenced operations in July 2002 and some 48 genetic support groups have elected to become members of the GSCWA.
The Office of Population Health Genomics of the Department of Health WA has been responsible for allocating resources for the development of this initiative.
SERVICES PROVIDED BY GSCWA.
Providing support to Genetic Support Groups through:
o information
o education
o referral
Services to Genetic Support Groups include:
Increasing awareness of genetic conditions in the community by:
Participating in forums and member Genetic Support
Group awareness events
Providing an up-to-date website
Widely circulating a bi-monthly newsletter
Seeking opportunities to engage the media,
Establish and maintain an annual “Genetic Support Group Awareness Week"
Publish a Directory of Genetic Support Groups in WA.
Providing administrative support and facilities by:
Assisting member Genetic Support Groups in the establishment and maintenance of sound administrative processes
Making available the GSCWA office and staff to assist in these processes
Assisting with the development and maintenance of budgets
Assisting with the development of strategic and business plans.
Providing forums for policy development and matters of common interest by:
Provide a forum to enable members’ views to be represented to Government and others in the field of genetics
Conducting forums for members on issues of interest or concern
Written and verbal submissions to Government and others in the field of genetics
Actively pursue opportunities to ensure that the views of the Genetic Support Council and its members are considered
The GSCWA providing a vehicle for recommending Consumer Representatives to committees and the like, considering matters concerning the field of genetics and genetic support
Participating with like bodies nationally to further represent the Genetic Support Groups and their members.
Specialised support to smaller member Genetic Support Groups by:
Providing an office base for smaller member Genetic Support Groups
Making available seminar facilities
Assisting with the development of information packages relating to their specific genetic conditions or predispositions
Printing of material and pamphlets
Providing opportunity to these groups to publish articles, advertise and promote awareness of their Support Group in the GSCWA newsletter
Providing industrial relations advice
Assisting in researching information regarding particular genetic conditions or predispositions
Keeping members aware of matters of interest, changes of legislation that may impact on the area or opportunities for them to participate in making comment on matters of concern.
Maintaining a Resource Centre that:
Includes information on the services provided by member Genetic Support Groups
Provides information on a range of associated topics such as online resources, families living with a family member with a genetic condition, parenting and education in association with a genetic condition are some of these
Maintains a wide range of website links on genetic conditions and organisations and groups that may provide support
Maintains a database of Genetic Support Groups throughout Australia and with some international links
Providing ongoing research for developments and up to date information on genetic conditions
Assisting in sourcing funding by:
Providing information on possible funding/grant sources
Giving assistance with applying for grants
The GSCWA providing some limited funds for special grants to members for special projects. These grants are, however, limited and small.
Provide a direct support service to individuals for whom there is no Genetic Support Group available and a referral service to individuals requiring assistance.
Our Contact Details
Oasis Lotteries House
Unit 9, 37 Hampden Road, NEDLANDS WA 6009
Telephone: (08) 9389 6722
Fax :(08) 93899377
E-mail: info@geneticsupportcouncil.org.au
Publications
Our Services Provided Directory: GSCWA Services Directory 2010 (1,418KB)
Members of the GSCWA: GSCWA Members List 2010 (110KB)
Membership Application Form: GSCWA Membership Application Form 2010 (72KB)
Our Board Members: GSCWA 2009 Board Members
GSCWA Volunteering and Student Placement, email: info@geneticsupportcouncil.org.au
Brochure: GSCWA Brochure
Checklist for families: Resource Guide For Families
Online Resources for Support Groups: Online Resources For Support Groups (126KB)
Directory of Genetic Support Groups and Associated Organisations: Directory of Genetic Support Groups & Community Support Organisations 2008 Hard copies are available upon request, telephone: (08) 9389 6722 or email: info@geneticsupportcouncil.org.au
Further Information
| For further information on the range of services provided by the Genetic Support Council WA (Inc) please visit our 'Publications Page' **Please contact the GSCWA if you have any difficulties in accessing our online documents or if you would like the documents emailed or posted out.
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Last Reviewed: 26th February 2010
