During 2018 EFNA continued to build on some of their ongoing projects – such as the MEP Interest Group on Brain, Mind and Pain and the Training Initiatives for Neurology Advocates.
However, in 2018, the organisation began for the first time to work more with younger people affected by neurological disorder. This began with a survey of those living with a neurological disorder in Europe, aged between 18-35. The results showed that much needs to be done to highlight and address their needs, as well as better facilitating and equipping them to engage in health advocacy. This led to EFNA’s latest awareness campaign: #BrainLifeGoals (which you can read more about on Page 19), as well as to the coordination of a workshop, specifically targeted at this demographic, on the theme of: Health Advocacy in the Digital World.
One of the MEP Interest Group meetings tackled the theme of how the EU can #MakeWorkWork for young people with a neurological disorder. This new focus, it is felt, will lead nicely to our next Strategic Plan (2020), in which EFNA will strive to ensure that the needs of this younger generation are reflected, as well as ensuring opportunity for them to better engage with and influence our work.
2018 was another busy year for EFNA, who would like to everyone who supported the group’s work during this time. EFNA Executive Director, Donna Walsh, writes:
“With our hard-working (but small!) staff and a dedicated Board, we can do a lot. But we depend on our members, partners and supporters to enable us to fully roll-out our annual workplan.”
Thank you for taking an interest in EFNA’s work in 2018.
