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:

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:

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.

Oasis Lotteries House

Unit 9, 37 Hampden Road, NEDLANDS WA 6009

Telephone: (08) 9389 6722

Fax :(08) 93899377

E-mail: info@geneticsupportcouncil.org.au