Assert (registered charity 1021882) is the Angelman Syndrome Support Education & Research Trust, an organisation founded at the beginning of 1992 for the benefit of those with this little known condition and their families. There are presently around 900 cases in Britain, diagnosed since 1965. What are its aims? -Well, to produce a regular newsletter (archives can be found on the Assert website-click on the Assert logo above). -To provide an information pack that doctors can give to those families newly diagnosed with AS. -To maintain a 24-7 telephone support line. -To forge links with other AS organisations overseas. -To hold regional meetings in different locations around the country. -To establish a national register for families diagnosed with AS, indicating those that wish to be a point of contact for others. -To produce a DVD about AS . -To fund research into AS. -To raise public awareness of AS. -To date, around 70% of these objectives are being met. The trustees are all parents or  grandparents of children with AS. The charity also holds national conferences roughly every two years for parents and children, including siblings. As well as being an important social event for many who are otherwise in a world of their own, it is a rare opportunity to exchange information and contacts.  In September 2006, the conference was held at Loughborough University. The next one is planned for 2008. Like all charities, fund raising is a constant struggle as well as finding volunteers who are willing to give up valuable free time. My Dad, as well as being my PA is also a trustee for Assert.