Arlene Wilkie Chief Executive 1 The role of Regional Neurological Alliances

2 We are the only collective voice for the 8 million children, young people and adults in England with a neurological condition. A better quality of life for each individual diagnosed with a neurological condition To raise awareness and understanding of neurological conditions to ensure that every person diagnosed with a neurological condition has access to high quality, joined up services and information from their first symptoms and throughout their life

Our national members

Regional Neurological Alliances West Berkshire NA Hounslow and Richmond Neurological Partnership London NA Lincolnshire NA YHANO Northern NA Tees Valley, Durham and N. Yorkshire NA Lancashire and South Cumbria NA Greater Manchester NA Merseyside and Cheshire NA CAN-DO Gloucestershire NA Swindon and Wiltshire NA Oxfordshire NA Hampshire NA BANO SWANO

To speak for neurological community with an authoritative and united voice To create a network of RNA’s across England To support new RNA’s and to strengthen existing RNA’s Our aims for our regional work

Policy set nationally - priorities determined locally Local services, local people with local knowledge Easier for local commissioners to talk with one organisation Identify and campaign for common causes across all neuro conditions Exchange information – locally and through the network RNA better placed to contribute…….. …One credible, united group speaks with a louder voice and is better heard Why have an RNA?

Size SHAPCT Membership StaffVolunteers Constitution Looser Associations Independent Charities What do RNAs look like?

Reflect the Alliance at local level Engagement with service users and carers Influence decision-making at local level Provide a credible, united voice and point of contact for commissioners across the neuro spectrum Common principles

‘Stronger together’ WBNA: Rare Conditions Nurse, hydrotherapy pool, pain surveys, conferences GMNA: 1 member of staff, PCT funded user surveys and research SWANO: website, workforce training sessions, directory of local services What have they achieved?

Users directly involved at heart of planning Acted as conduit for service user views Acted as the single point of contact for all matters neuro re commissioners Run training / awareness days Produced information leaflets Set up charity, raised funds Forged alliances with other alliances Secured a new Neuro Consultant post Membership of hospital boards “What you need to know…” adopted in hospitals More examples….

What can you do now? Take action! Use the campaigning document Sign up here Network Circulate info to committee and members With the RNA network Follow us on Help us with national consultations

Action is a necessity, not a choice. Thank