About Us

Helping make life better

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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 and throughout Wales. 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.

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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 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

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We are grateful for every donation no matter how small. Your generosity makes a huge difference to the work of our charity.

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FND FrieNDs is a registered charity – No: 1176608

Meet our trustees

Sharon

Chair

I was diagnosed with FND in ’20, an experience that fundamentally reshaped my understanding of health, resilience, and community. After connecting with FND FrieNDs, I gained the knowledge & support that enabled me to navigate my condition with confidence & clarity. This community played a pivotal role in restoring my sense of identity & empowering me to move forward.

Motivated by the meaningful impact of this support, I began volunteering with FND FrieNDs in ’22. I have since been an active advocate for improving awareness, providing peer support, & fostering inclusion within the FND community.

In ’26, I assumed the position of Chair where I lead with a commitment to collaboration, empathy, & organisational growth. I am dedicated to ensuring that every individual affected by FND has access to understanding, reliable information, & a safe, supportive network. No one should face FND alone!

Jessie

Vice Chair & Trustee

I was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) in 2014, so I understand first-hand the challenges that living with the condition can bring. Like many people with FND, I had to make difficult changes to my life, including stepping away from my career in adult social care.

Wanting to continue making a difference, I joined FND Friends as a volunteer and became a Trustee in 2017. In 2026, I was proud to take on the role of Vice Chair. Supporting adults, families and carers affected by FND is something I care deeply about, and I am passionate about helping people feel understood, supported and less alone on their journey.

I believe in the power of kindness, listening and community, and I love being part of an organisation that brings people together and offers hope to those living with FND.

When I’m not volunteering, you’ll usually find me spending time with my family and friends or looking after my much-loved animals.

Photo of an FND Friends Trustee called Caroline

Dave Penny

Vice Chair & Trustee

I was initially thought to have Parkinson’s around 12-14 years ago, after a great many tests my wife was able to video a couple of my seizures which when shown to a neurologists identified my problem as FND.

I joined FND FrieNDs 3-4 years ago which was probably the best thing I could have done.

After attending my first meetup and meeting others with FND I found I wasn’t alone, this was the best thing I could have done. Meeting others with their various problems was an eye opener as it pointed out just how varied FND was and how it affects everyone differently.

I’ve found being a member of FND FrieNDs, doing what I’m doing gives me a sense of purpose, the work I do is very varied and certainly keeps me on my toes.

Caroline Martin

Treasurer & Trustee

I was a Receptionist/Administrator before being diagnosed with FND at the beginning of 2018, although I had been symptomatic for a while before diagnosis.

Unfortunately I had to resign from my job on medical grounds.

My 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 .

I am enthusiastic and keen to help others in any way she is able.

Dan Browne

Trustee

Back in January 2018 I had my first FND symptoms. I was holding a coffee mug and had a tremor. Too much of that, I thought!

After quite a few investigations I finally got my diagnosis in September 2019. I was working in IT at the time and while things got harder over the following months, I managed to keep going for the first couple of years. By 2020 though I had to stop working entirely for a while.

FND FrieNDs was a huge support from the start. It became my focus during that time and honestly played a big part in getting me back to where I am now, back in full time work.

I feel really lucky to now be on the board and I’m looking forward to seeing more people find the same support through this organisation that made such a difference to me.

Sophia Garland

Secretary & Trustee

I’m Sophia, Secretary and Trustee for FND Friends, After being diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), I became passionate about supporting others living with the condition. I enjoy helping people find support, raising awareness of FND, and being part of a friendly and welcoming community where no one has to face FND alone.

Stephanie

Trustee

Living with Functional Neurological Disorder has given me a deep understanding of the challenges that come with the condition – not just the physical symptoms, but also the uncertainty, isolation and feeling of not always being understood.

Before my diagnosis, I spent over 15 years working in brand and marketing, and I’m now able to use those skills to help support FND Friends as a Trustee. I’m passionate about raising awareness of FND, reducing stigma, and helping to build a community where people feel seen, heard and supported.

My hope is that, through FND Friends, we can provide information, encouragement and connection for those living with FND, while continuing to educate others and advocate for greater understanding of this often misunderstood condition.

Jo

Trustee

I was working as a Headteacher during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting schools and frontline staff. Following my fourth bout of COVID, I developed Long COVID, which later led to a diagnosis of ME/CFS. Two years ago, I also received a formal diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).

Alongside my career in education as an experienced school leader, I was Deputy Director for Bristol Samaritans, leading Community Development, and I currently serve as the Health, Wellbeing and Safeguarding Lead for a niche UK organisation.

I’m excited to be leading the development of FND Friends’ strategy for young people – a cause that has always been close to my heart and one I’m deeply passionate about.

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.

Ruth Stamp

Ambassador

Ruth is an Advanced Neurological Occupational Therapist. She works split roles between the NHS & private practice. This allows her to reach more people. Within all her roles she specialises in Functional Neurological Disorder assessment and rehabilitation. She is passionate about the work she does and the people under her care. For the NHS her role sits within Neurological Outpatients working at Royal Devon University Healthcare Trust within North Devon. In private practice she is the founder of nortle.co.uk, a neurological rehabilitation service.

Ruth has over 20 years’ experience as an Occupational Therapist. She specialises in helping people understand their condition, how to manage it and live with it. Ruth’s duel training in both physical and mental health lends itself to FND. This allows her to provide rehabilitation for both the physical symptoms, such as weakness, whilst also reducing potential triggers, such as anxiety.

She provides regular teaching on FND to health professionals and medical students. She recently completed a research fellowship and a neurological masters module using FND education as her topic. She is currently undertaking a Research Internship as part of Plymouth University where FND is her chosen topic. She is part of the national allied health professions network for FND. Through nortle, she provides a variety a free resources & information aimed at helping people with self-management.

“I am delighted and honoured to be an ambassador for FND Friends. I really value the work FND Friends does. I see the positive impact FND Friends has on my patients. From bringing peers together, to striving with others, to increasing awareness and resources. The respect and appreciation they have for a team approach, using a variety of professions, like Occupational Therapists, is fantastic and makes a big difference. Thank you for having me as your ambassador” (Ruth OT).