Celebrating 60 years of Shine
In 1966, Shine, (then called ASBAH), became the UK’s first national organisation dedicated to spina bifida and hydrocephalus, giving families a collective voice at a time when survival rates for newborn babies were low and little support was available.
Our campaigning on folic acid led to a change in the law to mandate flour fortification, a landmark public-health intervention to help prevent spina bifida and other neural tube defects. We have also developed specialist antenatal support services, ensuring families who receive a prenatal diagnosis feel informed and able to understand their choices.
Equally as important, we have worked hard to transform attitudes towards, and understanding of, what living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus is like, and what services and support are needed to improve health and wellbeing.
We have recently increased our focus on Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH), establishing a dedicated service to raise awareness, particularly about widespread misdiagnosis.
We have contributed extensively to research, providing in-depth insights into the lives, health issues and challenges faced by people living with spina bifida. We support research into emerging treatments, with early signs showing significant benefits.
We are looking back on six decades of medical and clinical progress, telling a powerful story of change - and reminding us why our work, and our voice, remain as vital as ever.