In 1979, when the first edition of Within Reach, was published there were 9 branches, all in England, now there are 16 branches, across England, Wales & Scotland, and a sister organisation in Ireland. ALL Branches are run by volunteer Branch Coordinators, either people with upper limb difference and/or parents and carers of people with upper limb difference. They are the life blood of Reach; they support families in their area to stay connected and meet up in person two or three times a year.
They are supported by a strong Board of Trustees. Currently 50% are parents/carers of children/people with upper limb difference, 30% are people with upper limb differences, 10% (one person) has medical expertise and one person, who is coopted to the Board, has financial expertise. ALL volunteers, ALL with professional expertise they bring to the Board.
There is a small full time staff team of two, and the role of Social Media Manager and Within Reach Editor are contracted roles. Other than that, everyone is a volunteer.
People are helping every day behind the scenes organising, stewarding, taking photographs at national events, managing online membership, and fundraising for Reach.
Each year Reach Activity Week for children and young people with upper limb difference age 10-17 is enabled by volunteers with upper limb difference who give 7 days and 7 nights to make it happen.
Each year our Annual Family Weekend tours the UK. It provides a chance for Reach families and Reach members to connect/reconnect, to hear from inspirational speakers, enjoy workshops and activities, to eat, drink, play and learn together!
We are a membership organisation – both families with children with upper limb difference and individuals with upper limb differences subscribe. Currently we have just over 800 subscribers.
We are proud to be small and we are proud to be volunteer led.