RARE CONDITIONS

There are a number of rare conditions that could not be listed on main condition specific help page due to the number of rare conditions that exist. Below we have provided links to organisations who may provide general guidance and support for those who have a rare condition.

National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases (Ireland)

The National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases was established on the 2nd December 2013, as a joint initiative between the Clinical Strategy and Programmes Division within HSE and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.

Web: https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/ncps/rare-diseases

Rare Disease Ireland

Rare Diseases Ireland (formerly GRDO – the Genetic and Rare Disorders Organisation) is a non-governmental organisation with the mission to act as a national alliance for voluntary groups representing the views and concerns of people affected by or at risk of developing genetic or other rare diseases.

Web: https://rdi.ie/

Northern Ireland Rare Disease Partnership (NIRDP)

We are a not for profit organisation (recognised by HMRC as a charity), bringing together those living with a rare disease and organisations representing them: clinicians and other health professionals; researchers and producers of specialist medicines and equipment; health policy makers and academics.

Our aim is to work constructively with stakeholders and service delivery organisations to find practical ways of improving the quality of life, treatment and care for those with rare diseases in Northern Ireland.

To achieve this, we work closely with the DHSSPSNI, Health and Social Care Board, Public Health Agency and the Patient Client Council in Northern Ireland, with RDUK,  and with IPPOSI, MRCG and GRDO in the Republic of Ireland.

Link to website: www.nirdp.org.uk

The Global Genes Project

Global Genes™  is one of the leading rare disease patient advocacy organizations in the world. The non-profit organization promotes the needs of the rare disease community under a unifying symbol of hope – the Blue Denim Genes Ribbon™. What began as a grassroots movement in 2009 , with just a few rare disease parent advocates and foundations , has since grown to over 500 global organizations. They provide a range of resources including a tool kit, webinar archives, documentaries and patients stories.  

Link to Website: www.globalgenes.org

Rare Disease Day

Rare Disease Day is an annual, awareness-raising event co-ordinated by EURORDIS at the international level and by National Alliances and Patient Organisations at the national level.  The main objective of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness amongst the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives.

Link to website: www.rarediseaseday.org

Unique

Unique is UK based charity offering operating on an international scale to help inform, support and alleviate the isolation of anyone affected by a rare chromosome disorder and to raise public awareness.

Link to Website: www.rarechromo.org

EURORDIS

EURORDIS is a non-governmental patient-driven alliance of patient organisations and individuals active in the field of rare diseases, dedicated to improving the quality of life of all people living with rare diseases in Europe. EURORDIS’ mission is to build a strong pan-European community of patient organisations and people living with rare diseases, to be their voice at the European level, and – directly or indirectly – to fight against the impact of rare diseases on their lives. 

Link to Website: www.eurordis.org 

Orphanet

Orphanet is the reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs (drugs developed to help a very small percentage of people), for all audiences. Orphanet’s aim is to help improve the diagnosis, care and treatment of patients with rare diseases.

Link to Website: www.orpha.net/