Constitution
The Coalition of Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients (CASP) is an organisation founded by people with AS to co-ordinate campaigning activities on behalf of AS patients and carers throughout the UK.
Objectives
- To raise the profile of AS and campaign for greater awareness of the disease in both public and political domains
- To direct patients and carers to useful information resources about AS, its symptoms, associated health conditions and treatments
- To campaign for fair treatment access for AS patients through each stage of the disease from diagnosis to medication and support services
Mission Statement
Bringing Ankylosing Spondylitis patients together in a campaigning coalition to provide mutual support to people across the UK affected by the disease, offering a positive support network and calling for fair access to treatment and support services.
Core Values
CASP exists to provide support to people throughout the UK with AS that struggle to get the appropriate diagnosis, treatment, support services and financial assistance that they require at every point of their disease. CASP is the only organisation in the UK founded by AS patients specifically to campaign on behalf of people effected by AS.
CASP will provide assistance to AS patients in writing to their GPs, PCTs and Rheumatologists about accessing correct diagnosis, referrals and treatment for their disease. Where necessary, CASP will also put patients in touch with their MPs and other local representatives where access problems persist. CASP will also aim to support patients in media campaigns or in other activities that highlight the day-to-day challenges that people with AS face.
Operations
CASP will hold four meetings a year and an AGM before 28th April 2009
The primary means of contact for CASP will be through their website, putting AS patients and their carers in touch with the CASP committee. CASP will then provide the necessary tools and information to facilitate contact between patients and the relevant organisations that can help people manage their disease in order to live a full and active life.
Finances
The website will be constructed from the funds raised through donations to CASP and other fundraising activities undertaken on their behalf. These funds will also be used to finance the day to day running of the organisation such as postage and travel expenses. CASP is a not for profit organisation and no individuals working voluntary within the organisation will benefit financially from its fundraising activities.
Committee:
- Chair Gillian Eames
- Vice Chair Daniel Lawton
- Treasurer Anthony Deaves
- Treasurer Alison Deaves
- Secretary Lee Shuck
