Welcome to October 2024
Hi FND Wellbeing Community Subscribers!
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I’m thrilled to hear that the new format of our Community Updates has been well received! The feedback has been fantastic, with many of you saying it’s easier to read and navigate - just what I'm aiming for.
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I'm sharing a few pictures from my local park as the Summer draws to a close and we welcome in Autumn.
It has been a busy time of year as we welcome new members into our FND community and intakes for the courses. All sessions for Pacing Pathways: Navigating Life With FND and the gentle Simply Rest: Nurturing Wellness in the Midst of Challenges have started, and NeuroFlow starts next week too!
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​Here’s a quick summary of what's coming up in October. Check it out and join in wherever you can.
Upcoming Course, Events & Webinar
NeuroFlow: An Introduction To Nervous System Regulation
8-Week Course. Starts Tuesday 1 October
Discover practical tools and techniques to better regulate your nervous system, helping to manage FND symptoms more effectively and fostering a greater sense of control over your wellbeing.
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A personalised toolkit of gentle techniques help develop a deeper understanding and positive connection with your body beyond breathing and meditation.
Neurographic Art Sessions
Monthly online sessions. Starting Sunday 6 October
No Art Skills Required! Process emotions, tackle challenging situations, and discover new avenues for self-expression and healing. This art therapy offers a creative pathway towards mental and emotional wellness, tailored for FND.
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Join me and others with FND for insights and fun. Learn the basic principles and create your own artwork, all with a beautiful, supportive FND community.​
Sickness & Ill-Health Capability: FND in the Workplace
Webinar: Sunday 20 October, 5pm (UK only)
Feel empowered and secure in your understanding of sickness absence, return to work interviews and ill-health capability procedures. Find out what you might expect should you find yourself too unwell to return to work and have your questions answered.
Gain clarity, guidance and further support with signposting and resources.
A Notice for Wellbeing Wednesday Members ...
No Sessions - Wednesday 16 October 2024
There will be no FND Wellbeing Wednesday sessions on Wednesday 16 October as I will be providing FND Awareness Training and Advocation with an NHS trust (see below). I'm sorry for any disappointment that this may cause.
Each month, I am dedicating one week's session to discussing and exploring a particular FND symptom. This month we will be covering the topic of Functional Seizures on Wednesday 23 October and the last week is open chat.
And In Other News ...
Raising Awareness About FND
Following on from a successful and well received FND Awareness session with the Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, this month I have been invited to The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust, London!
I'm feeling incredibly honoured to be invited into these NHS trusts to convey the lived experience and the journey we go through with FND. It brings a reality and understanding of the impact that FND has on our lives, and hopefully a start to collaborate using resources and signposting for support!
A New Year Online Wellbeing Retreat
I looking to host an online FND wellbeing retreat in collaboration with other wellbeing practitioners in January 2025. I'd love to collaborate with other professional wellbeing specialists across a range of disciplines - and I'm particularly looking for those with lived experience of FND wherever possible!
If you, or someone you know, might be interested in working with me, please click the link below to register your details or share as appropriate.
Keep an eye out for ...
... Changes in the Autumn Statement for the Disabled (UK) ...
On Wednesday 30 October 2024, the Government is anticipated to announce a push to get people off long-term / disability benefits and into work. There's also an expectation to launch 'Day 1' employment rights - watch this space for an update!
... Webinar with Q&A on Flexible Working ...
Scheduled for Friday 22 November 2024, 5pm (UK). The return of a webinar to help people with FND feel confident on how to request flexible ways to work with their existing employer, or when negotiating with a new potential employer.
... And Starting Steps returns for those new to FND!
If you're new to FND, or know someone who is, the Start Steps course returns packed full of information, resources, signposting and plenty of opportunity to ask questions, tailor an FND plan and most importantly - be supported.
