Genetic Disorders UK (GDUK) has been renamed Gene People following a rebrand.
The charity umbrella body, which supports people affected by genetic conditions, and the charities and patient groups that support them, was founded in 2012.
The rebrand to Gene People follows a major review of the organisation’s purpose by its trustees.
Gene People will focus on the charity’s remaining support and information-provision division, including its genetic counsellor-led helpline, the charity said in a statement.
It said it would also look for new ways to help patient support organisations within the renamed Gene People Partnership Network.
The charity’s Jeans for Genes Campaign, a week in September when people wear jeans to school and work to raise awareness, and grant programme have been transferred away from Gene People.
It will be run independently under new leadership, along with Gene People’s Primary Immunodeficiency UK divisions.
Jill Lucas, Gene People’s chair of trustees, said: “Refocusing and renaming our charity was not a decision we took lightly. It demonstrates our commitment to the individuals and families living with the impact of genetic conditions across the UK.”
Samantha Barber, incoming chief executive of Gene People, said: “We now want to grow and develop new and exciting ways of supporting the individuals and families we serve, and the patient groups that support them.”
The new Rare Disease Framework, published by the Department of Health and Social Care in January, gives the charity an opportunity to support patients and families with genetic diseases, Barber added.
“The team at Gene People are ready to rise to the challenge of working with our friends and allies to empower our community to better support patients and families with genetic conditions”.