Introduction to BANA

The British Acoustic Neuroma Association (BANA) was formed in 1992. BANA is organised and administered by people affected by acoustic neuroma, is a registered charity and exists for mutual support, information exchange and listening.

In 1997 we received 3-year funding from the National Lottery Charities Board. This enabled us to set up an office and employ a full time Co-ordinator. We are now funded entirely by our own fundraising efforts.  We currently employ a part time Co-ordinator and a part time Office Administrator.


The Objects of BANA

The Charity is established to:-

 a)   Assist and support people who have been diagnosed as having or who have been treated for Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma), and other related conditions and others affected by such conditions.

 b)   Promote and support research and to publish the results of such research into medical, surgical and other procedures likely to lead to the prevention, early detection and successful treatment of such conditions.

 c)    Promote and support research and to publish the results of such research into medical, surgical and other procedures assisting in the rehabilitation and quality of life of people affected by such conditions.

 

Why join BANA?

Many who face and undergo treatment of acoustic neuromas and other benign tumours involving the cranial nerves have questions, concerns and physical and emotional adjustments to make.  Membership in a group of those who have had a similar experience can be helpful to patients, as well as family members and interested medical personnel.

The benefits of becoming a member

 

Website - Members' Section.  

This section of the website is available to members only and contains:
 
  • An active Members' Forum which allows members to share their experiences
  • A list of all regional Branches and Support Groups including contact details of the group leaders
  • Treatment Centre list which notes all hospitals which deal with Acoustic Neuroma (AN) and which treatment options they offer
  • Treatment Centre Questionnaires completed by the relevant hospitals giving details of the number of patients they have treated, the different treatment options they offer, the names of the practitioners and other useful information
  • A list of BANA Medical Advisors
  • Member links to other AN-related organisations
  • A wide selection of articles covering all aspects of AN management both before, during and after treatment including a selection of Members' stories.  This section also includes a selection of Patient Information papers from several hospitals
  • A Members' Notice Board which often includes requests for help completing surveys etc from other organisations
One of our members says the following:
If you want to hear how other AN sufferers have dealt with the problems you may be experiencing, this site is invaluable.  There is an active forum where you will often get a helpful answer to your questions within a short time. M.
 
 

Office 

Our Head Office is run by our Office Administrator Karen and our Co-ordinator Julie who are on hand to answer your questions and queries (non medical).  The office is usually manned Monday-Friday during normal office hours.  When closed there is an answer phone and if the matter is urgent alternative numbers are given on the answer phone message to enable you to contact one of the Trustees.
 

Magazine

 
We produce a 60-page quarterly magazine called Headline News which carries reports from the Branches and Support Groups around the UK, professional articles, members' articles, letters from members, hints and tips and information about all things AN-related.  The magazine is available to read in the Members' Section of the website, as a pdf copy by email or you can receive a printed copy.
 

Booklets and information leaflets

 
A wide selection of Booklets (reduced cost to members) and leaflets to help with all aspects of your AN journey (see Related Information section for full list)
 

DVDs and Videos

A selection of DVDs and Videos of presentations by professionals who deal with AN patients covering all aspects including treatment and help with the various symptoms which may affect the AN patient.  There is no loan charge, just a small p&p charge.  (see Related Information section for a full list)
 

Support from other members

Access to other AN sufferers via our Support Register.  We have a list of members who are happy to speak to other members about selected matters.  This is especially helpful when trying to make a treatment decision or if you are trying to find ways of coping with particular symptoms and would like to hear of other members' experiences.
 

Branch and Support Group meetings

We have 9 large branches where meeting usually include a speaker and a chance to socialise with other AN sufferers.  We also have 22 smaller regular Support Group meetings (some in hospitals/halls and others in members' homes) where members and guests have a chance to exchange experiences with others

Loan of Trophic Stimulators. 

These facial stimulation machines are available to members to loan (yearly maintenance fee payable) under the supervision of a physiotherapist.


Read the BANA Constitution online.

Board of Trustees 2012-2013

Name/Role

KEVIN DIMMELOW - Chairman

JANET MERCER - Vice Chairman & Single Sided Deafness Contact

MAIREAD O'CONNOR - Treasurer

JACKEY WEIGHTMAN - Secretary, Office Manager, Magazine editor

CARYLL PETERSEN - Listening Ear

ALAN WEIGHTMAN - Branch Liaison

GORDON WAITE - Overseas Link

JOHN HUNTLEY - Regulations Co-ordinator

GERALDINE ROCHE

 



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