How can I fix my ironing board?

My ironing board collapsed, folded, and a metal rod fell onto the floor. I cannot see where or how to reattach this metal rod. The ironing board will not stand up without it. It is about 16" long with a flattened piece on one end with a hole in it. Please help!
I do not know the manufacturer of the board, but I bought it in Homebase. (A very large board with striped cover with stripes in pink, beige, brown and other similar shades).