The European Federation of
Williams Syndrome Associations (FEWS) was founded at a meeting
held in London on 2nd July 1999. There were 4 founding WS member
organisations - Italy, United Kingdom, Ireland and Hungary. The second
meeting of FEWS took place in London on 5th February 2000 and was attended
by representatives from 8 WS organisations - the original 4 plus Norway,
Belgium (Flemish Speaking), Spain and France.
Officers of FEWS were elected as follows:
Chairperson - Susan Morgan (UK)
Secretary - Paul Pyck (Belgium-Flemish
speaking)
Treasurer - Ann
Breen (Ireland)
Two further meetings have been held and the Constitution was signed by
representatives of 8 WS organisations - Italy, UK, Ireland, Hungary,
Sweden, Belgium (Flemish), Norway and Spain.
The European Federation of Williams Syndrome Associations will be
registered in Belgium. The constitution of FEWS states:
"The Purpose of FEWS is the pursuit and
achievement of the following objectives:
 | the spreading of awareness of Williams
Syndrome |
| co-ordination and federation of national
and regional WS associations |
| the promotion of targeted scientific
research projects |
| the support of individuals with WS and
their families |
| the co-ordination of research into WS in
research institutes in the member states, avoiding the unnecessary
overlapping of economic resources |
| the collation, co-ordination and
publication of research results in scientific publications |
| the translation of publications into the
languages of the member states |
| the promotion of educational programmes |
| the co-ordination of professional expertise
within Europe |
| the organisation of international
congresses |
| the promotion and management of contact
between different WS associations and with research institutes active
in countries outside the Federation" |
Williams Syndrome Association of Ireland 
