IN UK at the ABN

This year, we made the decision to attend the Association of British Neurologists Conference. On paper, it’s a professional gathering of experts. But for us at Inflammatory Neuropathies UK, it’s something much more human than that. It’s all about people, and more specifically our Community.

People who are living with rare, often misunderstood conditions. People who may still be searching for a diagnosis. People who don’t yet know that support, information and community exist for them. And that’s where Neurologists come in.

Most people affected by Inflammatory Neuropathies will meet a Neurologist long before they ever hear about us. That moment, a diagnosis, or even just a suspicion of one, can be overwhelming. However, it is also a window of opportunity. If a Neurologist knows about our charity, they can connect someone to support at exactly the moment they need it most.

That’s why being in at this conference matters.

We’re not there to “network” in the traditional sense. We’re there to gently, persistently raise awareness. To make sure that when a Neurologist sees someone with Guillain-Barré syndrome, CIDP, MMN or another Inflammatory Neuropathy, they also think about us, that there’s a charity that can help their patient through this.

Our biggest priority right now is simple. Reach more people, engage more people, and ultimately support more people. But we can’t do that from the side lines. We have to be part of the system, and that means having conversations with clinicians, researchers and decision-makers.

This conference gave us that opportunity. It allowed us to listen as well as speak. To understand the challenges Neurologists face. To share what we hear from our Community. To build the kind of relationships that turn into better, more joined-up support for people.

This was all about promoting the Charity. It was about making sure that no one faces these conditions alone, and that the people best placed to help, know exactly where to point someone towards.

We were heartened by how many Neurologists stopped by to talk to us, how many signed up, how many took an information leaflet, or even a pen. Our banner held an important message, you treat the condition, and we can support the person. I think that message went across.

It was also super useful to network, and to hear the latest news. We were delighted to see members of our MAB promoting better practice and more detailed ways of working to general neurologists, and even more that people were put at the front. Patient voices were highlighted within the conference, which was great to see.

New treatments are coming, more joined up working is happening. We aren’t there yet, but things are looking better. And rest assured, we will be there amplifying your voice and fighting your corner. Always.