The Brittle Bone Society is the sole organisation set up to address the needs of people born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). The charity supports people in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
It was the first registered charity in the world
set up to support individuals with OI. We were founded in Dundee in 1968 by a local lady, Margaret Grant MBE, whom herself had OI.
Our Work
Who We Are
The Brittle Bone Society (BBS) is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to supporting people with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) – a rare genetic bone condition – and their families across the UK and Republic of Ireland. Established in 1968, we have over five decades of experience providing specialist information, practical support, and a strong community for everyone affected by OI.
Our charity mission seeks a world in which the needs of people living with OI are better understood, respected and fully met.
What We Do
At the Brittle Bone Society, everything we do is about improving the quality of life for people with OI. We:
Provide trusted support, advice, and peer support to families and individuals
Fundraise for essential equipment, including specialist wheelchairs
Host educational and fun events that bring our community together
Raise awareness so that OI is better recognised and understood
Advance knowledge and research to improve understanding and treatment of OI
Working Together
Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. The Brittle Bone Society works closely with NHS healthcare professionals, ensuring people with OI have access to the best possible care and specialist knowledge.
We are proud to be part of the Adult Rare Bone Disease Collaborative Network, which brings together expert centres across the UK to improve services, share knowledge, and raise standards of care for rare bone conditions.
Alongside this, we also work closely with other OI organisations such as the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Federation Europe (OIFE) and the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (OIF) in the USA.
Our People
Our impact is powered by a network of clinical experts, professional staff, volunteers, and people with lived experience of OI. This collaboration ensures that our services are both evidence-based and shaped by the real needs of the community.
Why We Matter
By uniting people, resources, and expertise, the Brittle Bone Society makes a real difference. Together, we:
Provide essential day-to-day support for families and individuals
Influence positive change in healthcare and policy
Contribute to vital research that drives progress in rare bone conditions
Build a stronger, more informed community where no one feels alone with OI