Tuesday August 31, 2010

Local branch members of an Alzheimer's Group have abandoned the society and formed a rival group.
The former members said they had founded Action-on-Dementia-Sunderland because the society (based in the capital) had become too centralised and unresponsive to local needs. The group underwent a huge re-organisation in November 2009 to secure more public service contracts and improve accountability.

Over 200 branches are being merged and placed under the control of 49 regional administrative centres. Other branches have complained about the move but it is not clear whether they intend to follow Sunderland's example and break away.
"The Alzheimer's Society has become like a top-down quango," said Mr. E. Thompson, a founding member of the Sunderland branch of the society which started 23 years ago. He has relinquished his chairmanship of the branch to assume the same role at the new group.
The Sunderland branch, which is being merged with other branches in the north-east, contributes about £400k to the charity's £45,000.000 annual income. The former members claimed they had not been properly consulted and were worried that the branch's building, paid for by donations by Sunderland people, could be sold and the funds swallowed up by the national body.

Mrs R. Sutherland, chief operating officer said the branch was still operating but change was inevitable.
"The society has grown 70% in the past 5 years and this unprecedented growth means we need to make changes to ensure we're equipped to meet the challenge that faces us," she said

http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/news/Article/979221/Members-local-Alzheimers-Society-group-form-rival/