Our Aims
Our aims are really very simple, to create a safe environment where those diagnosed with FND can come together, for mutual support without the fear of being judged because of their symptoms. To give people the opportunity to share their experiences and knowledge and ask questions of each other, either in ‘face to face’ meet ups or online. We also want to support their family and carers through groups of their own, to help come to terms with and share their experiences of supporting someone with FND.
Our ethos is to carry out the above in a spirit of, ‘Mutual Support and Mutual Respect’ where the isolation of FND can be broken and all individuals are valued equally.
Our Structure
As a registered charity we have the usual Board structure and roles you would expect to find, Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and a number of trustees. The Board is made up of individuals with FND, a carer and local business people who are able to look objectively at how the charity is operating. We would of course be lost without our volunteers and the support they offer the groups and charity as a whole. Their dedication helps us to maintain and develop the work we undertake and most importantly reflects the needs and requirements of our service users. Our volunteers are our lifeblood and epitomise the words of Oscar Wilde;
“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”
Origin
FND Dimensions is a registered charity number 1170584, working across the country but based in Derby, led by and for people diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). FND Dimensions became a ‘Charity Incorporated Organisation’ (CIO) in December 2016, following over two years of operations as voluntary organisation. We were the first FND charity to concentrate largely on bringing those diagnosed with FND together for mutual support. Previously ‘face to face’ meetings had been very ad hoc. It’s founding members, both who suffered with FND and related conditions, realised there was a gap in support for people, as they were often diagnosed but left with little or no medical follow up, leaving them with a sense of confusion and bewilderment. Slowly we started to establish small groups in a few towns, where patients could come together, without the fear of prejudice because of their symptoms and share experiences and advice on how to live with FND on a day-to-day basis.
Perhaps the best way to illustrate what we are about and do is through one of our service user’s stories and what they feel is important about the services FND Dimensions offers.
Message from our Founder
FND Dimensions has been developed following some voluntary work I did at my local hospital. At the time, I was having physio treatment myself, which was a follow on from treatment I had received in London. During this time, I met and had conversations with people who it was apparent were, for want of a better phrase, ‘not in a good place’. They felt they had nowhere to turn to for support at a local level.
By coming together as a group, they would be able to discuss issues, concerns and feelings about living with FND. Any illness affects people in different ways, but the opportunity to link with others will allow individuals the chance to achieve a greater understanding of their condition and the realisation that they are not alone.
So, FND Dimensions was born with the support of a few key individuals who have helped the organisation reach this stage and to who I am eternally grateful. Now with the development of patient groups and the support of each other, people with FND, will hopefully find a place to share their experiences. We have a long way to go still and lots of ways we would like to develop the charity further, but from comments received it’s clear FND Dimensions has become a safe ‘port in a storm’ for many people.
I very much look forward to meeting or talking to you in due course.
With best wishes
Steven Webster
FND Dimensions – Founder