## **Trustees Annual Report** ## **For the period 1[st] January 2020 to 31[st ] December 2020** **Charity Name:** FND Action **Charity Number:** 1169554 **Address:** 53 Freshland Road Maidstone Kent ME16 0WH **Trustees:** Mr Chris Thairs (Chair) Mr Eric Rosser (Treasurer) Ms Kim Hearne Miss Anita Mannings ## **Structure, Governance and Management:** Governing document: Constitution Constituted as a CIO Trustees selected and appointed by board ## **Objectives and Activities:** ## **Objectives:** The relief of sickness and preservation of health of persons suffering with Functional Neurological Disorder, in particular but not exclusively by: - 1) Raising awareness of functional neurological symptoms through the provision of current information to the general public, health sector, caregivers, and those suffering from these symptoms. - 2) Promoting awareness of functional neurological symptoms through charitable events, meetings, social media, online and offline resources, information packs, leaflets, and other educational materials as required for the public benefit. - 3) Promoting ongoing research for functional neurological symptoms by encouraging participation through our website and social media, and publishing results. ## **Activities:** FND Action continues to be solely run by volunteers. During 2020 like many charities our activities have been slowed due to the effects of Covid-19, which did have quite an impact on productivity and delivery of new projects we were planning for, in most cases putting them on hold. This did not however prevent us in delivering our objectives to the best of our capacity. Activities included: - The disseminating of information/awareness leaflets and merchandise to those diagnosed, medical professionals, healthcare organisations and charities, and the general public. - Medical alert cards have remained available free of charge, which are utilised by those diagnosed with Non-epileptic/functional seizures. - Development of the website has continued, with the aim of providing further resources to aid with the management of the condition. - Social media platforms continue to be updated on a regular basis, providing information such as charity activities, fundraising events, new research, NHS information, social care and wellbeing/mental health support. - Attended various virtual conferences and events upon invitation, in relation to raising awareness of the condition, and promote our existence as being a key avenue for support. - Promoted and encouraged participation in a variety of studies when approached by Researchers. These were advertised on the website, peer support groups and social media. - Engagement of the 4th annual UK Awareness Day for Functional Neurological Disorders, which took the 25[th] March 2020. - Progression of establishing links with an ever-increasing number of medical professionals interested in the diagnosis and treatment of Functional Neurological Disorders. - Connected with various NHS and social care establishments to raise awareness to aid with supporting people in the area, and work towards providing better services. ## **Achievements and Performance:** ## **Achievements:** The charity celebrated its 4th anniversary in October although on a smaller scale due to COVID-19, progressing further in delivering the objectives of the charity. Its been a tough year to be able to push forward with projects we had in the pipeline some of which have had to be postponed, such as, the new drop-in café in Kent & Medway had to be put on hold due to various restrictions the past year in social distancing, lockdowns etc. These will be looked at progressing again when safe and feasible to do so. In alignment with growth, the charity has continued to develop strong links with a variety of medical professionals across the UK, other charities and service providers in the healthcare sector. The charity’s online peer support groups grow in membership every day, with people saying they are very grateful to have somewhere safe to talk about their condition, learn more about it and receive support. The 4th FND Awareness day UK was very successful with the theme of #Voices4FND. Various charities and groups were involved in leading campaigns and activities. In addition to raising general awareness, and encouraging those with self-lived experience to get involved. This was done all on social media and through our website due to the beginnings of COVID-19. Engagement was considerably highly than the previous year, and social media again provided a value outlet for raising awareness to a large audience. FND Action continue to be recognised as a prominent charity in our field, which has led to invitations to take part in various events and conferences, although virtual. We continue to engage in activities to assist and advocate for providing better understanding care and support of the condition. ## **Performance:** The online peer support groups have continued to grow in size, on average welcoming 10 new members a day. There is constant feedback from the members of the value this has brought to them, especially newly diagnosed people who are frequently dismissed by medical establishments given there is still a great need to provide better care and understanding. The online shop has seen over 13,000 free of charge and sale products being sent out to customers continuing to spread further awareness of the condition. This includes just under 2000 seizure medical alert cards & 10,000 leaflets. We were unable to give out further leaflets at events this year due to them being virtual instead of face to face. This sees a dip in sales from last year but is understandable with the ongoing pandemic. Social media platforms across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have continued to grow in size, and by year end equated to approximately 8000 followers. ## **Financial Review:** ## **Reserves:** On the 31[st] December 2020, the sum of £45,503 was held in reserve to spend on charitable activities. The charity's policy is that the reserve will not fall below £1,000 without full agreement of the board of trustees. ## **In Deficit:** None ## **Further Information:** Further Information: Due to the generosity of fundraisers and donors, we raised £18,252 during the year, and £3,396 was spent on delivering the charities objectives. The majority of this was for the distribution of awareness leaflets and merchandise. Projects with an estimated cost of £6,500 were not completed due to the pandemic crisis. We remain in a strong financial position which will enable the charity to continue in achieving its goals during the coming year. ## **The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.** **Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:** ## **Chris Thairs** **Chair of Trustees of the Board: FND Action** **Date: 31/01/2021** CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND WALES 1.16%54 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a Forlhe p•r]ad 01-Ql_20 31.12-20 To Section A Receipts and payments Unre8trietsd funds Restrlcted funds Endowmènt funds Total fund$ Last year tothe n*rÈsi£ toth?nbarp#£ tothp nBifE5tE lothe r*Trrt￿£ Al Recelpts DONATIONS AWARENESS MERCHA 1¢5É6 16W6 rJ,093 Sub tOtal(Gn￿$ income for AR) {see table). Sub to f8252 24.993 A3Pa ents RKETINGIAWARENESS EXPENSES STATIONARYIPOSTAGE INSURANCÈ MEMBERSW WEBsrrE OTIIER 1,175 1.175 279 2.024 725 1180 100 523 174 114 Sub tot A4 Asset and Investment urchases. (see table) Sub tof 5.532 Net 0fm￿pt&1(payM￿) AS TTan¥fer¥ lth¥een funds A6 Cash lunds last year end Cash funds this yearend 14 19A61 1,647 30.647 11.186 30.647 CCXX R1 ac¢ounts ISSI 18-01-21 Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrestricted Restricted Endowment funds iategones B1 Cash funds PAYPAL fvnds fund¥ fvnds Details FuThJ towhKh C￿rrent value Details Fund to whKh Currpnt valuè Details B4 Assets retsinod forth¢ charity'$ own us• Fund towhlch due Vthen d DetaTI$ 85 Liabilities Signed by one or trustees on behaw of all thè trustees Date of roval nature int Name ERIC ROSSER CHRIS THAIRS £? CCXX R2 accovpts ISSI 18Ql-21