Northern Ireland Network

Join the Northern Ireland network in order to meet others with facial palsy and gain mutual support. Janet who founded the network has been lobbying medical professionals and government for better treatment for people with facial palsy in Northern Ireland since 2016. The first campaign meeting was held in Belfast in February 2018, present were politicians, eye surgeons, plastic surgeons, ENT, physio and most importantly patients. Future meetings are planned.

The easiest way to keep updated is to join the Northern Ireland Network Facebook Group: Northern Ireland Network | Facebook or you can join our community and opt-in to support group news.

The Facebook group is a place for you to interact with other members of your local support group/network, share stories, photos and discuss any aspect of facial palsy. Health professionals may be in this group but they are unable to offer specific medical advice. There may also be government officials or other people who are helping with the campaign for services. It is important they know the struggles people face so they can push for change.

Whatever the cause of your facial palsy, if you live in Northern Ireland, please join this group to ensure your voice is heard.

Virtual support group meetings

We run two virtual support group meetings each month, and these are open to anyone (aged 18+ years) in the UK. Check this page for dates Support Groups – Facial Palsy UK, and contact us via support@facialpalsy.org.uk for joining instructions for our next groups.

Contact:
Northern Ireland Network
Email: Northern Ireland network enquiry

Northern Ireland Campaign

Our Goal: A Better Future for Facial Palsy Care

We are proposing the Northern Ireland Health Service commission a three-phase programme to improve patient access to specialist care:

Phase 1: Recruitment of two Specialist Facial Therapists and two Psychologists

Phase 2: Fund a dedicated Botulinum Toxin clinic

Phase 3: Expansion of the clinical team and development of a fully operational Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)

We’re also urging commissioners to explore joint working with charities, including integration into upcoming projects like the Facial Palsy UK app and new virtual psychotherapy services – benefits Northern Ireland could miss out on without a dedicated specialist.

Find out more about our Northern Ireland Campaign.