Legal Basis

1864: Spanish Red Cross founded1893: Spanish RC recognised by the ICRC, and joins the League in 19191997: update of the statutes, and the rules of procedure in 19982003: 5th General Assembly

Mission

The objectives of the Spanish Red Cross are defined in its statutes, while the general assembly updates the mission and operational objectives of the society every four years. The updated objectives are relayed to the local, provincial and regional committees, so that they can adapt their work plans accordingly.Relations between the society and the Spanish government are conducted through the protection board, chaired by the Minister for Labour and Social Affairs and with representatives of the ministerial departments concerned with the objectives and activities of the society.

Constituency

Spanish RC’s structure is based on the administrative divisions of the state and covers the whole country. The society is composed of: 730 local regional branches, 50 provincial committees, 17 regional committees (one in each autonomous community plus the national committee). All the governance and management bodies are elected from among the members and volunteers through a legislative procedure carried out every four years.

Organisation/planning

Strategic work plan

The strategic work plan is based on decisions adopted by the general assembly; the last was adopted in March 2003. The work plans and budgets are approved on a yearly basis.

Memberships/partnerships

The Spanish RC is interested in exchanges of information and experiences in relation to working with the elderly, substance abusers, migrants and refugees,  employment and youth issues.

Leadership

The society's leadership is entrusted to the president, the vice president, the national committee, the secretary general and the general co-ordinator. There is also a professional central management team. The national committee meets at least five times a year. The members of the various governing bodies are volunteers.

Domestic Activities

Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Migrants

Migrants, asylum seekers, refugees and displaced persons constitute Spanish RC’s main target groups. The society is active in terms of reception, social integration, protection of rights and tracing services. In 2003, the Spanish RC provided help to 5,242 refugees or asylum seekers and 183,225 migrants.

Elderly

In recent years, the Spanish RC has developed services that allow elderly people to continue living in their own homes while benefiting from essential care and security. Its programmes also provide support and relief for those who look after the elderly. In 2003, the Spanish RC provided services to more than 193,468 elderly people.Social inclusion

Volunteer grannies

This project brings together children who are alone most of the day, and elderly people who are Red Cross volunteers. The aim is twofold: to contribute to the prevention of social and educational problems among children, and to improve the social integration of elderly people and their personal development through their active participation in a worthwhile community activity.Social Services

Drug abuse

The Spanish RC runs assistance centres for drug addicts and their families. These provide emergency help and psychological assistance, provision of meeting places and shelters, social integration classes, assistance in finding accommodation, treatment for drug addiction, recreational centres, and mobile methadone units. Special focus is given to assisting minors. In 2003, the Spanish RC provided assistance to more than 42,076 people.

People living with HIV

The Spanish RC is actively involved in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS through health education. It provides health care, psychological and social support with a view to improving the quality of life. It also offers home care services, psychological support for HIV-infected minors, support for the families of HIV sufferers, self-help groups, and AIDS/HIV awareness classes... In 2003, the Spanish RC provided services to more than 24,610 people.

Children

The Spanish RC addresses the needs of minors with special needs. It provides care for hospitalised children, accommodation for problem children (to avoid detention), residences for children and teenagers, day nursery for children up to 3 years of age, foster families, help for children and families in financial need, centres for psychological diagnosis and treatment. In 2003 provided services to 108,966 children or young people in need.

Disabled

The Spanish RC has services specifically: transportation adapted to their needs, additional home care, technical assistance, a centre for children suffering from neurological paralysis, and social integration. In 2003 the Spanish RC provided help to 32,414 people.

Vulnerable women

The Spanish RC either manages or runs reception centres designed for abused women and their children and offers information and guidance to women at risk. These centres not only meet basic food and accommodation needs, but also provide psychological help as well as advice on social integration and on obtaining employment. In 2003, the Spanish RC provided services to 5,687 women.

International Activities

Development Activities

Capacity building of National Societies worldwide