1970 - 2010 |
Restricted Growth Association |
40th Anniversary
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0300 111 1970 |
Life begins at 40!
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E-Mail: office@restrictedgrowth.co.uk |
We always welcome new members whether you are a mother or father of a child with restricted growth, a professional working with someone who has restricted growth, or you are a person of restricted growth yourself. Visit the 'About the RGA' Section for more information about how we can support you.
About the RGA
The Restricted Growth Association is a registered charity (No 261647) with a membership of around 3000 individuals, which comprises full members, their families and friends and other interested parties, mainly comprising of professionals with an interest in the RGA.
The RGA is a self-help organisation dealing with helping the social and medical consequences of restricted growth. The Association promotes the interests of people of restricted growth and their families. It is a forum for the exchange of information and advice and provides this for all small people and their families. It publishes advisory booklets and a quarterly newsletter, which we are constantly updating and developing. Meetings of RGA members take place in various forms, the Annual National Convention, Youth and Young adults Weekends, Family National Days and Regional Events. Our goal is to reduce the disadvantages of people of restricted growth by providing information, advice, support, representation and campaigning so as to help increase their knowledge, confidence and ability to meet the challenges of the modern world.
Crucially we provide a network to families and adults throughout the UK who have a rare genetic condition; to meet and share with those who have first hand experience of the same or similar conditions. Thereby offering mutual support and practical solutions to everyday life problems. We also aim to ensure that the diversity of the small people's community is promoted and celebrated.
The Restricted Growth Association, formerly known as the Association for Research into Restricted Growth, was established in 1970 as a self-help organisation concerned with all aspects of the well being of people of restricted growth, and to represent their interests nationally.
It is estimated that there are approximately 6,000 people who have a restricted growth condition in the UK. There are over 200 medical conditions that cause short stature. The most common type of restricted growth amongst RGA members is 'achondroplasia'. Restricted growth affects approximately 1 in 10,000 births per year and there are approximately 60 babies born per year with restricted growth conditions. Approximately 75% of individuals with a restricted growth condition are born to parents of average height. None of the conditions are common, but they unite us as part of small peoples' community
The RGA is a self-help group providing and sharing information and support for people with restricted growth conditions and their families. The Association aims to help reduce the distress and disadvantages of people with restricted growth by trying to:
- Reduce social barriers
- Improve their quality of life
- Enhance the role in society of persons of restricted growth
- Lessen the fear and distress of families when a child with restricted growth is born
- Provide friendship, mutual support and encouragement for individuals and their families
- Develop an awareness of diversity and promote equality within the small people's community
- The Association represents people of restricted growth and acts as an advocate on their behalf.
Life begins at 40
