Membership

Membership — Join us!

If you become a member of BEECHAC you will be supporting the Australian Community of people involved in various ways with those who have Bladder Exstrophy, Epispadias, Cloacal Exstrophy or Hypospadias. We hope to be able to support each other during times of stress around operations and diagnosis, when we need answers to our queries about doctors and procedures and when we just need to talk to each other and find a time of companionship, compassion and hopefully some good times together.

The main benefit of joining will be that
you will link with others who are involved
with similar disabilities and who can share
concerns, needs, issues and care for
ourselves and our loved ones.

To become a member of BEECHAC, download the BEECHAC membership form.

Members will receive the following services

quarterly newsletter published on line and available by post — Up to date information about what is happening in each state and territory of Australia and overseas, particularly in the USA, Europe, New Zealand and Asia — Personal stories, news about conferences, seminars and new relevant resources

chatroom and forum for members with rooms for different age groups, types of disability, and groups of members e,g. families, friends, or health professionals

discounted registration for our conferences in various states and territories — support for travel/accommodation when possible for Australian & overseas conferences

resource library of books, research articles, DVDs and posters to borrow or buy or information on how to purchase resources

lobby group for public awareness of the disabilities and how to support people with these disabilities — Lobbying is particularly important in schools, tertiary learning institutions like TAFE and universities and work places as well as health care centres.

support and information about medical, psychological or sexual concerns as well as support for emotional stress and anxiety that you and /or members of your family and friends may be experiencing — We intend to have a broad network of contacts in each state and territory for member referrals. We also intend to provide financial support, when possible, for members to travel for operations, tests and consultations.

member support groups in each state and territory — We envisage support groups to blossom based on the number of people involved and their geographical situations. These groups can work with the national group to organise fundraisers e.g. dinners, trivia nights, auctions, and fun activities, camps and meetings where people can get together to talk about their issues, concerns, stories.

research into improved operation procedures, psychological issues, causes — The association intends to apply for grants to undertake research at a number of levels. Only members interested in taking part would be involved in any research we undertake. The results of any research will be shared with all members.

Who can benefit from joining BEECHAC?

families of newborn babies with one of the disabilities that BEECHAC covers, whether the birth disability is rare like Bladder Exstrophy, Epispadias and Cloacal Exstrophy or more common like Hypospadias

You should not feel alone. You can share feelings of anxiety and concern for your baby and BEECHAC will help you tackle the issues you need to address and help answer any questions you have about the various conditions.

people who have Bladder Exstrophy, Epispadias, Cloacal Exstrophy or Hypospadias a child, adolescent or adult with the disability who wants to know more about a condition

You may want the opportunity to talk with others who have similar disabilities and share your experiences and knowledge. We hope to develop a mentor program especially for adolescents and young adults.

concerned immediate family members

Parents will have many queries and concerns as sons or daughters are growing up and going through various operations and procedures. Siblings also want to know more about what is happening to their brothers or sisters and how to cope with the family situation where the parents may be away for some time with a sibling who needs medical attention.

extended family members

Grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins often want to play a support role and need to know about the various conditions and how best to give support.

friends play an important role

Friends need to understand the complexity of conditions, how best to provide compassionate support. Peer support is especially important for young people in school, engaging in further education or work, and participating in social life.

health professionals, paediatric/adult urologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, renal physicians, alternative professionals, clinical nurses & hospital staff

Professionals will benefit from sharing information, expertise and research.

educators

As our children grow up and go to school and on to further education or into the workforce, front line professionals need to know more about how to support people with the disabilities that BEECHAC covers.

researchers and staff involved in research of rare birth defects from universities and other research institutions

Bladder Exstrophy, Epispadias, Cloacal Exstrophy,
Hypospadias, Australian Community (Inc.)