About Us

Helping make life better

Resources & Support

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Group of volunteers in a circle embracing

FND FrieNDS aim to:

Help reduce the feelings of isolation caused by FND.
Demonstrate that people suffering with FND are not alone.
Work with healthcare professionals to improve relationships with those who have FND.
Create a central point of contact for patients upon diagnosis.

What we do

FND FrieNDs is a patient and carers support group for those living with the diagnosis of FND in the South West of England. The groups meet regularly in a pre-arranged venue to meet others with the same diagnosis. This helps to reduce feelings of loneliness, misunderstanding and isolation that are often associated with this particular diagnosis. We can in some instances make home visits to those who are housebound. The idea of this is to encourage the individual when they feel confident enough with us, to leave their home and meet/ come with us to a local venue where they can meet others in a similar situation, in a comfortable, fun and positive environment. Please note though, we are not medical professionals and do not offer medical advice.

Get in touch

Meet our trustees

Mandy Hall

Chair

Mandy, a married mum of two, first started having functional symptoms in July 2018 beginning with involuntary movements. She was diagnosed with fibromyalgia but after suffering multiple seizures was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder which includes Fibromyalgia, Functional Movement Disorder and Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD) all under this one diagnosis. Mandy worked in healthcare for over 22 years both for the private sector and the NHS. Due to suffering multiple seizures daily, Mandy had to resign on medical grounds and her new passion is to spread awareness of FND and FND FrieNDs.

Jess

Secretary & Trustee

Jess was diagnosed in 2014 with FND and she finds it a massive struggle day to day – like many others with the condition. She suffers from stroke like symptoms, pain, episodic periods of paralysis and painful spasms as well as CFS. She became a Trustee with FND Friends because she wants to help others who suffer with this condition both adults and children plus their carers and families. Jess is mum to Shih Tzus Alfie and Bella and cats Stella, Archie and Blue.

Caroline Martin

Trustee

Caroline was a Receptionist/Administrator before being diagnosed with FND at the beginning of 2018, although she had been symptomatic for a while before diagnosis. Unfortunately had to resign from her job on medical grounds. Caroline’s main symptoms are ongoing weakness on both sides with both legs and arms being affected caused by fairly frequent functional strokes and recently with migraines . Caroline is enthusiastic and keen to help others in any way she is able.

Dr Beth Mallam

Ambassador

Beth is a Neurology Consultant at Southmead Hospital. Beth’s interest in FND began early in her Neurology training. She was keen to learn more about what happens when people experience functional neurological symptoms and how we can help people feel better. She was therefore really pleased to become one of the first Neurologists in the UK to be directly appointed to an FND consultant post. Beth is lucky to work with a brilliant team of specialist therapists at the Rosa Burden Centre who have a common interest in providing the best care possible for people with FND in Bristol and the wider region. Beth is delighted to become an Ambassador for FND Friends, a group with a really positive approach and a valuable asset for our FND community.

Dr Leo Russel

Ambassador

Leo is a clinical psychologist and clinical lead for the Exeter FND Psychology Service at Devon Partnership NHS Trust. He chairs the NHS FND multi-disciplinary team which oversees the wider FND Pathway in Exeter, East and Mid Devon. He specialises in psychological interventions that help reduce the physical impact of distress on the and has published research on FND interventions and service development. He provides teaching on FND to clinical psychology trainees across the south west and has helped facilitate conferences for healthcare professionals across the region.

Our Mission

To provide relief from the social, emotional, and physical hardships caused by Functional Neurological Disorder;
To ease the suffering and promote the comfort of those diagnosed with FND by advancing the understanding and knowledge of FND among healthcare workers.
To provide relief from the isolation experienced by patients and their families by raising public awareness of FND, eliminating the stigmas that have been associated with the diagnosis in recent years.
To listen to, believe and respect those who approach FND Friends for our services.
To offer practical support in the form of signposting to other organisations that may be of benefit to our service users.
To treat everything with the strictest confidence in accordance with current GDPR guidelines.

Our Vision

To help people across the Southwest of England to understand what Functional Neurological Disorder is, gain acceptance of the condition and learn how to live well with an FND diagnosis.
To educate on FND through awareness days in hospitals, social media, study days, seminars and webinars.
To be courteous and supportive to those who have been signposted to our charity.
By holding meet-ups and days out, we help those with FND to socialise, get back out into the community, therefore improving confidence and reducing feelings of isolation.
Provide support to carers and families through information, online support and meet-ups.
To provide holistic therapies that may be of benefit to our service users while ensuring that our services are accessible.
All mandatory and appropriate training will be provided to all who work and volunteer for FND Friends Charity.

‘Since finding FND Friends in 2019 and making new friends I have found it very beneficial and informative of my condition.

I really appreciate the support from the charity and an extra shout-out to Amy and Jess who have become really good friends with supporting me since my move to Bristol.
I also really enjoy the craft sessions in Swindon with Hannah and Bristol with Amy and Jess.’

Charlotte