The LA is a registered charity (Charity Registration No 803533) originally established in 1983. Since then it has grown to become the leading UK charity for people with limb-loss, with over 3,000 members in the UK alone.
The LA is was based in southwest London, at Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton (The Douglas Bader Rehabilitation Centre), which was the first-ever prosthetic centre in the UK (built in 1915) and still regarded as a centre-of-excellence for prosthetic treatment and rehabilitation.In April 2010 the office moved to Jubilee House,3 The Drive,Brentwood,Essex,CM13 3FR
The LA receives no government, lottery or NHS funding and survives solely on income provided by members, friends, private supporters and corporate sponsors. Despite this we continue to offer all of our services for free, ensuring that no one is ever without the information and support they need, regardless of their ability to pay. However, if you are in a position to make a contribution it will of course be gratefully received.
The team is made up of three full-time and two part-time employees and we try to recruit from the limb-loss community whenever possible. You can learn more about the individuals currently working for the LA by visiting our Meet the Team section. The Board of directors is made up of people who have a wide experience of running User Support Groups as well as business experience, so they are well-placed to oversee the governance and policy decisions of the LA. All our trustees are amputees themselves and you can learn more about them by visiting our Trustees & Patrons section.
Q. When was the Limbless Association founded?
A. 2nd November 1983.
Q. Who founded the Association?
A. The first Steering Committee for the charity, initially called the National Association for Limbless Disabled, consisted of:
Q. Why was it formed?
A. The First World War necessitated the formation of the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen's Association (BLESMA). It was years later that, building on BLESMA'S valuable experience and know-how, the civilian Limbless Association was formed. Clearly there was an important need to look after the interests of civilians of all ages with limb-loss, whether as a result of congenital deficiency or amputation due to disease or trauma. From these modest beginnings the LA has become an increasingly active and well-regarded association, providing a valuable resource for amputees, healthcare professionals, carers and family & friends alike.
Q. What does the LA do?
A. The Limbless Association provides free and impartial information and support to people of all ages who are without one or more limbs. Through our Outreach Programme, Information Bureau and Football+ Project we hope to enable limbless people of all ages achieve maximum rehabilitation and sustain independence at home, hospital, in education, employment and in the community. The Association also plays a leading role in making representations on matters of policy and legality to Government Departments, Local Authorities & Health Authorities and we are widely consulted by such departments on relevant issues. We also promote research & development and best practice in rehabilitation services & technology and have an ongoing commitment to encourage independence & well-being through Health & Fitness Clinics.
Q. Who is on the Board of Trustees?
A. The Board of Trustees, all of whom are amputees, consists of:
Q. What is the Limbless Association's Mission Statement?
A. The Limbless Association enables limbless people of all ages, by their own talents and initiatives, create and enjoy equal opportunities in the community.
Q. How many Members does the Limbless Association have?
A. We currently have approximately 3,000 members in the UK.
Q. How many members of staff does the Limbless Association have?
A. Three full-time employees and two part-time.
Q. How many Volunteers does the Limbless Association have?
A. Roughly 100 in the UK alone (all of whom are amputees themselves).
Q. How is the Limbless Association funded?
A. Through grants, legacies, membership subscriptions and corporate & public donations.
Q. Is it a national or international charity?
A. The Limbless Association is a national UK charity with international interests, so members are welcome from throughout the World.
Q. What are the main activities of the Limbless Association?
A. Please see the LA Services page.