About Reach, The Association for Children with Hand or Arm Deficiency

Reach is a support group run by families to give those affected by a hand or arm deficiency the opportunity to meet others and offer advice and support.

The charity aims to provide affected families with the opportunity to get together, share experiences and information on what to do (or not to do) and where to go for advice regarding treatment.

In 1999, the charity was give approval to make direct grants to families to help with any costs incurred, related to the child's deficiency. These grants cover costs such as computer equipment for children with no hands; adaptations to sports equipment, bicycles, cars, musical instruments and costs involved in educational or vocational courses.

The success of this scheme will depend on the availablity of funds.

After a successfull pilot in 2000, Reach also hopes to be able to provide the young adults it supports with the chance to participate in confidence building activity holidays, which not only allow them to experience activities such as abseiling and canoeing but also help them realise just how much they can achieve despite their 'difference'.

Our history

The idea for a national support group for children with upper limb deficiencies grew following a BBC screening of Dr. Rolf Sorbies' myoelectric controlled hand prosthesis on the 'Tomorrow's World' programme in 1978.

At a meeting arranged for October 1978 150 people met in Finsbury Leisure Centre and formed a committee, using the temporary name 'Society for Arm Amputees'.

In January the following year, the society changed its name to 'Reach, The Association for Children with Artificial Arms'.

In March 1988, after the publication of several fact sheets and some involvement in limb research at Bristol University, Reach again changed its name to 'Reach, The Association for Children with Hand or Arm Deficiency', to reflect the needs of members not wearing prostheses.

In October 1995 Reach hosted its first dinner dance following an AGM in Glasgow. The AGM is now starting to develop into an Annual Conference Weekend.

The following year TV personality Jeremy Beadle became patron and in 1997 he hosted the first "Amazing Fun Quiz Night" in Scotland.

Reach moved into its own office premises in the summer of 1999 having grown too large to be administered from home.

The following summer, as a millennium project, Reach took its first group of youngsters to Calvert Trust Activity Centre for a week of challenging activities. The trip was such a success that further visits are now planned.

Reach still operates with the minimum of administration costs and in addition to the one fulltime administrator now employs a part-time editor.

This means that the major portion of any fundraising can be used for the benefit of the families and children.