OPUS

OPUS (Organophosphate Users' Support) is an independent charity (Charity number 1086930) established to provide advice and support to people living in the border region of England and Wales who are suffering as a result of exposure to pesticides.

Exploratory meetings held at Ludlow (November 1999), Builth Wells (June 2000) and Ludlow (November 2000) demonstrated that potentially large numbers of people, and especially farmers and their families, are suffering ill-health through exposure to sheep dips and other agrochemicals. These people have often accessed specialist medical help but require further support and encouragement to help them come to terms with the disability caused through exposure. One of the most common complaints expressed by them and their carers is that, because OP poisoning is both difficult to diagnose and treat, they feel a sense of hopelessness and the view that ultimately nobody cares beyond their immediate family.

OPUS offers support in a number of ways:

• By providing access the medical and legal advice and obtaining information on benefits, sources of help etc. A detailed information pack is in preparation. The Board of Trustees of OPUS includes both medical and legal experts.
• By raising awareness of the issues and campaigning on behalf of those affected. A national conference, co-hosted between OPUS and the Institute of Rural Health at Gregynog, was held in May 2002 with expert papers from both the medical and legal professions.
• By circulating a newsletter and disseminating information via a website.

OPUS is a membership organisation (membership is free) and the membership is growing rapidly. It has close links with other relevant organisations such as the Pesticides Trust and OPIN (the OP Information Network), but is essentially a local support group though its formation has attracted widespread interest from across the UK.

For further information contact either below or visit the OPUS website.