Founded 1986 Focus Osteoporosis | Type Charity Area served United Kingdom | |
Headquarters Camerton, Somerset, England Key people Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall | ||
The National Osteoporosis Society, established in 1986, is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to improving the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. It is based in Camerton, Somerset, England.
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Organisation
The income of the charity was about £3.5 million in 2010. Three million Britons are affected by osteoporosis.
HRH Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall is the president of the charity, which in June 2011 celebrated its 25th anniversary. A public kiss, at a charity reception, between Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, was seen as a step on the road to public acceptance of their relationship. The patrons include actress Susan Hampshire and journalist Maggie Philbin.
History
The National Osteoporosis Society was founded in 1986 in the village Camerton, south west of Bath in Somerset. Since there was no cure or campaigns about osteoporosis, the charity was launched to raise awareness on the disease by doctors at a Bath hospital. By 1988, membership of the charity increased to 5000 people and they held their first main meeting in the UK bringing all health professionals together to discuss osteoporosis. In 1990, the charity was supported by Queen Elizabeth II and in 1998 supported by the UK government.
Research and awards
The charity, in 1999, reported an increase in incidence of osteoporosis among young women, particularly those who are underweight or who have suffered anorexia. However, in 2000, research by the charity showed that moderate consumption of alcohol can help to reduce bone loss at the hip. In 2008 the charity, in conjunction with the Order of Mark Master Masons, awarded around £2.6 million to 14 NHS trusts to improve osteoporosis services and access to DXA scanners.
The Duchess of Cornwall Award
The Duchess of Cornwall Award is an award created by the society named after Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. The award recognizes an individual for their outstanding contribution to the field of osteoporosis. This award can be given to individual who meets these:
Recipients
Partnerships
Yoplait is a partner and supporter of the National Osteoporosis Society.