We absolutely love receiving positive feedback from our students.
It not only boosts our morale but also reinforces the impact of our efforts in creating a supportive and engaging learning environment.
Hearing about their successes, growth, and satisfaction reminds us why we do what we do, and it motivates us to continue improving and providing the best experience possible.
The art group has been an invaluable lifeline for me..
I am an Autistic adult, and have Functional Neurological disorder. The mix of these two means life can be more than challenging. It makes going out and mixing with others incredibly hard, in some instances impossible.
Having the art group available to us means that we can engage with others easily, in a safe and controlled way that we feel comfortable with. It means we can work, to whatever level we can on a healthy and mindful process of art.
Rachel is amazing and runs the group so well. Art and art journaling is incredibly beneficial to mental and emotional well being, this is even more important for those of us who have FND. As well as the mental and emotional benefits it gives us, it allows us to work on fine motor skills, as well as the social and support side of things... I would be extremely sad and slightly lost if the group didn't continue, as it forms quite a large part of my social support network.
I don't attend the Art Journalling For Wellbeing group on a regular basis but when I do attend them I find it very beneficial on several levels:-
1) I find them very beneficial to relax/distress. Monday morning can be particularly stressful for me and the timing, and nature of the class, is just brilliant for me. This should be added to the FND self care toolkit.
2) I find it a brilliant form of distraction therapy. A recognised form of Mental Health therapy that is widely used to help those with mental health challenges (and also many other FND symptoms, including pain in particular).
3) Whilst I know that I am not a artist found my own niche either colouring neuropathic art or collage type artwork (expression of thoughts/emotions. You don't have to be a competent artist as I found out.
The class is very flexible and accommodates all media/techniques, including digital, which makes it inclusive and very flexible.
4) I find the conversation great on 4 levels :-
a) helping others
b) learning from others - "every day is a school day" for me.
It should be noted that the classes' primary objective is not peer support but, since all members have FND, they "get" each other. Rachel Freegard does an excellent job of leading the class - she's has a number of good skills including compassion & other people skills.
c) as FND hope volunteer updating others or supporting Rachel to run the class.
I've been joining the art class for two years now and I find it invaluable.
Rachel is a brilliant facilitator and makes everyone feel welcome and heard regardless of skill, how much you are able to participate or how much you are affected by FND.
Often I'm not well enough to do any art but that doesn't matter and it's really nice to see everyone and admire their art.
When I am able to participate Rachel is always able to advise on a variety of techniques and skills to help us make art to the best of our abilities.
When I manage to complete a work of art it gives me a huge sense of achievement which means so much to me given how much my illness affects my ability to achieve anything else.
Rachels art class is a great start to my week and without it my mental health would suffer.
I joined Rachel's Art Journalling online around the time it was first offered through FND Hope UK during the pandemic.
My symptoms of FND and comorbities had been difficult to manage and cope with, and my quality of life had been pretty poor for many years.
Due to symptoms of my conditions and also being a single mum with three children with two diagnosed autistic, I wasn't able to leave the house or socialise much at all and I wasn't able to access local support that I needed for things like my mental health or pain management etc, and I wasn't able to join in-person classes for things I'm interested in such as art.
Rachel's Art Journalling classes online have really changed my life. The online classes are accessible for people like me with FND and break down barriers.
Rachel holds a very welcoming, safe and supportive online space each week (or two times per week) for people all over the UK and in other parts of the world to come together for peer support, friendship and connection through art journaling.
I always look forward to receiving Rachel's weekly email with each new topic, and I always enjoy the class. The art journaling projects are always exciting, varied, and engaging and can be adaptable to everyone's ability and needs.
Rachel has a very good understanding and knowledge of FND and makes sure to consider everyones needs and abilities to ensure everyone in the class can take part how they would like in a way that feels right for them as not everyone with FND has the same challenges.
Throughout the years I've taken part in Rachel's classes, I've noticed how it's had a positive impact on my health and wellbeing as well as in all other areas of my life. I'm much happier and hopeful about my life, and I'm able to cope much better with the symptoms of my FND and other conditions, and I'm going out more and feel more confident.
My kids have noticed a big difference in me, too, which has had a ripple effect on them. I'm very grateful for Rachel and FND Hope UK for these classes and for the positive impact they've had on my life.
Weekly Online Art Workshops with FND Hope International
We’re proud to run two weekly art workshops via Zoom in partnership with the international charity FND Hope International.
If you’re living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) or caring for someone who is, you’re warmly invited to join us. Our sessions offer a supportive, creative space to relax, connect, and express yourself—no artistic experience needed.
Register for a session using the links below—we’d love to see you there.
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