NAPS weathers storm
18 Jun 2008
Volunteers rally in support of NAPS
Volunteer team steers NAPS through stormy waters
When NAPS' CEO, Chris Ryan, retired at the end of last year, it was a challenging time for the Association.
At that point the only way NAPS could continue was for volunteers to come forward both to take charge of the administrative work of the Organisation and to ensure that NAPS' commitment to supporting PMS sufferers and their families was maintained.
That both these aims have been fulfilled is due to a number of individuals who have been prepared to give up a substantial amount of their time to NAPS.
With the Association now in a much stronger position, it is appropriate that NAPS should publicly recognise their significant contributions towards ensuring the future security of the Association.
Sam Lunam has been an office volunteer for six years and her experience of existing systems has been vital to NAPS' effective functioning throughout the period of transition. She has worked unstintingly in the interests of the charity and without her it would be difficult for the everyday tasks to be completed.
Heather Packman has resumed her role as bookkeeper. She had left in the early part of 2007 after a number of years with NAPS but hearing of the problems facing the Association she readily offered her services again. Needless to say, her previous experience has been invaluable and it is very reassuring to know that the accounts are being kept meticulously.
John Packman, Heather's husband, has also volunteered his services. Using his expertise in accountancy, he has given valuable advice on finalising the accounts and has brought NAPS' records with the Charity Commission up-to-date. He has also gallantly helped in dealing with the problems faced in installing a new broadband system.
Moira Feehily is NAPS' IT adviser on any day-to-day problems. She ran a large IT department in a secondary school until she retired five years ago. Although she continues to work on a political database, she is prepared to give her time generously to NAPS. This summer she is going to work on a revision of the website. She is also a Moderator of the Forum.
Liz Davies has worked as a volunteer for NAPS in the past on the Helpline and in the office. She is willing to support in any area needed and her IT experience is particularly valuable.
Pat Tracey has been a stalwart of the Association for many years. Her own experience of PMS is the reason for her commitment to helping sufferers. In spite of the trauma of recently losing a leg, her typically selfless response to the difficult situation the Association faced at the end of last year was "We can't allow NAPS to go under. We can't let the women down". Currently she works from home acting as liaison between members who submit questions and the 'experts' and is always reassuring to those who make contact.
Frances Johnson, another ex-sufferer and long-term member of NAPS, is the editor of the bulletin. Conscious of the fact that publication of the bulletin is essential to the work of the charity, and also aware that it could only be afforded by being produced in-house, NAPS had to find volunteer editor and Frances, when asked, agreed immediately. This was not to be an easy task as new IT skills had to be learned and working from home meant having to deal with problems alone, but Frances has risen to the challenge admirably and NAPS is hugely grateful for the major contribution she has made to the Association.
Jackie Howe is currently Acting CEO and has been Treasurer of NAPS since 1984. Prior to the first CEO being appointed in 1997, Jackie also played a major role in running the office and has been the trustees' representative regarding office affairs. She co-ordinates the work of the Association and is the link between the volunteers and the trustees. Fortunately, as she now works part-time, she was able to make a significant commitment to NAPS and the time when it was greatly needed. Jackie, like other ex-PMS sufferers, knows only too well how important it is to guarantee the future of NAPS. She says: "Before NAPS was set up there was no support, no lifeline for the thousands of desperate PMS sufferers and we simply cannot allow that to happen again".
The Trustees have been extremely active and supportive during this difficult period. Many strategic decisions regarding fund-raising, public relations, co-operation with other women's health charities, and promotion of NAPS' standing and influence with the medical profession have been taken. A conference for health professionals is planned for September, new dietary advice is being prepared, NAPS' clinical guidelines are to be up-dated, and there has been valuable input into new publications and into grant applications.
Trustees and volunteers together are working to ensure the future security of NAPS. The past six months have involved not only maintaining essential services but also actively seeking funding and publicity, and promoting NAPS to the medical profession. The work has been exhausting but exciting. It is hoped that NAPS will attract sufficient funds to employ a CEO. In the meantime it will continue to depend on its volunteers, to whom it is immensely grateful.
NAPS seeks to add to its volunteer team, especially as it is hoped to expand the work of the Association. Help is needed in the office, and support for existing volunteers, especially from those with additional skills, would also be welcome.
So, please, do consider giving some of your time to helping those whose wellbeing depends on the work of NAPS. Contact NAPS on:
THANK YOU
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