About us What we do What we do The Addison’s Disease Self-Help Group (ADSHG) is the UK charity working to improve the lives of people with Addison’s disease, adrenal insufficiency and all who support them. Addison’s is a rare endocrine condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones and can be life threatening. It affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people, meaning an estimated 300 - 350 new cases are diagnosed each year across the UK, this makes it roughly 300 times rarer than diabetes. Life-long treatment with replacement steroid hormones is required. Medication is usually taken several times daily at carefully timed intervals and individuals must also know how to administer an emergency hydrocortisone injection to prevent a potentially fatal adrenal crisis. At the ADSHG, we are here to support the Addison’s and adrenal insufficiency community and their healthcare providers to promote better medical understanding of this rare condition, campaign for and support everyone affected by adrenal failure, and fund vital research. Founded in 1984 by Deana Kenward shortly after her own diagnosis, the ADSHG now works in co-operation with some of the UK’s leading adrenal specialists and Addison's Clinical Advisory Panel (CAP) led by Professor John Wass, to promote broader medical understanding and effective management of this rare condition. Our vision is led by our aims to support, connect and advance. We work to provide practical support to people affected by Addison's and adrenal insufficiency in a number of ways: advice and information for patients and their families emergency medical advice for patients information for healthcare professionals caring for people with Addison's lobbying the NHS, HSE, policy-makers and influencers to consider the needs of people with Addison's medical research We are a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (non-profit) registered with the Charity Commission. We are governed by a team of volunteer trustees and run day-to-day by our executive team. Want to know more? Contact Us Whether you're newly diagnosed or have lived with the condition for years - please join our community and support our cause! You'll receive the latest expert advice, guidance and ADSHG news, whilst being part of our inspiring and supportive community. Become a member today! Join the ADSHG Connect on social media! Follow us on X / Twitter, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, TikTok and YouTube. Manage Cookie Preferences