TOFS (Tracheo-Oesophageal Fistula Support) was set up in 1982 by parents of children born with TOF and associated conditions. Their aim was to reach out to other families in a similar situation.
Over thirty years on and now a registered charity, we continue to help families through the challenges of bringing up a child with TOF/OA, VACTERL and associated conditions.
We do this by providing one-to-one support and a range of information and resources to families. TOFS is a recognised source of information for professionals with an interest in TOF/OA. We also take an interest in research into the causes and implications of these conditions.
We rely on support through membership fees, voluntary donations and other sources of charitable income to fund our activities. Read more about how we are funded.
The TOFS office is based in Nottingham and is managed by two part-time members of staff. The office is staffed Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8.30 am - 2.30pm and Wednesday and Friday 8.30am - 12 noon. We provide out-of-hours emergency telephone support - please call our answerphone on 0115 961 3092 to obtain the number of the volunteer who is currently providing this service.
The TOFS Council of Management, which is responsible for the strategic direction of the charity, is made up of volunteer trustees. Our volunteers also play an important role in providing one-to-one support to parents and in supporting other activities, such as fundraising and events.
Membership of TOFS is open to:
- parents, carers and relatives of children born with TOF/OA/VACTERL or any oesophageal condition
- adults born with these conditions
- interested medical professionals.
Take a closer look to find out about the support and information we offer.