Our Partners & Collaborators

At FND – What Now?, we believe that meaningful change happens when people and organisations come together with a shared purpose. 

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Our Collaborators and Why They Matter

We are proud to work alongside a diverse group of collaborators who share our commitment to supporting the FND community. Each partner brings unique expertise, resources, and insight, helping us expand awareness, improve care, and provide meaningful support to individuals and families living with FND. Together, their contributions make a real difference in advancing understanding and creating positive change.

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How We Collaborate

We work with healthcare professionals, organisations, researchers, and community groups who share our commitment to improving the lives of people with FND. Partnerships may include:

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• Educational contributions such as webinars, workshops, or guest speaker sessions

• Resource sharing to help broaden access to reliable FND information

• Co-developing initiatives that support advocacy, outreach, or community well-being

• Research collaboration to improve understanding and future care pathways

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Advisors and Supporters

We gratefully acknowledge all those who offered guidance, insight, and encouragement throughout our work.

Their perspectives have strengthened our approach and deepened our understanding of FND.

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Where our journey began (2022)

Our journey was inspired by the 2021 research paper, "The spectrum of functional neurological disorders: A retrospective analysis at a tertiary hospital in South Africa" , by Dr Lavanya Naidoo, then a Specialist Neurologist at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Kwazulu-Natal. Her work highlighted the needs within the FND community and, through her guidance on starting a support group, shaped the earliest steps of our organisation.

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More recent support for starting advocacy

In recent years, we have also been guided by individuals who encouraged and supported the development of our advocacy work in South Africa. We extend our deep appreciation to:

• Prof Jon Stone,  Consultant Neurologist (NHS Lothian), Honorary Professor at the University of Edinburgh, Department of Clinical Neurosciences

• Mr Tom Plender, Trustee and Chair of FND Action (UK)

• Ms Kim Rosser (Hearne), CEO and Founder of FND Action (UK)

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Current scientific/advisory insights

In particular, we recognise Prof Chrisma Pretorius from the Department of Psychology, at the University of Stellenbosch, whose commitment to exploring innovative approaches and willingness to share scientific insight continue to add meaningful value to our journey as a patient-led organisation. 

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Let’s make a difference — together.