National Trigeminal Awareness day is this Monday, 7th October 2024. I want to take this opportunity to share with you the campaigns that we run as a charity and allow you access to the materials that we use for them.
As someone who has bilateral Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), I’m acutely aware of the importance of spreading the word about, and raising the awareness of, TN. One of the ways that we do this is focussing attention around the National Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness day (October 7th) but our campaigns are also launched at other times of the year.
Why are National Days important?
National Awareness Days, like National Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day, are vital for raising awareness of conditions that often go undetected or misunderstood. These days allow us to educate the public and healthcare professionals, ensuring that more people are aware of TN and its severe impact on sufferers.
For TN sufferers, these awareness days can be a source of connection and empowerment. I remember how alone I felt after my diagnosis, struggling to find others who truly understood what I was going through. National Awareness Days remind us that we are not alone. They bring people together, raise support for research, and help push for better access to treatments.
At TNA UK, one of the key things that we strive to reduce is the isolation faced by those living with TN by providing practical and emotional support, not only to sufferers but also to their carers, friends, and families. Eliot Carroll at tinderflint.tv has produced a video highlighting the effects of loneliness which can be viewed here
Our services include:
- The Helplines (0800 999 1899 and [email protected]), where sufferers can talk to someone who understands their condition.
- Regional Support Meetings, which offer an opportunity to connect with others who share similar experiences.
- The Friendship Line (0800 999 1899), for those feeling isolated and in need of someone to talk to.
These services are available to anyone affected by TN including those in support networks. By fostering understanding and sharing experiences, we can help raise awareness and build a stronger, more supportive community.
It is humbling to be the CEO of TNA UK and have the support that you, our members, give. You are key in helping us to share the messages that we need to get out and spread. Therefore, I want to take this opportunity to share the assets that we have created so you can use them if you wish.
Show TN 3 Fingers
A Gesture of Solidarity
The #ShowTN3Fingers campaign asks participants to hold up three fingers, each representing one of the three branches of the trigeminal nerve:
· V1 (Ophthalmic branch) – index finger.
· V2 (Maxillary branch) – middle finger.
· V3 (Mandibular branch) – ring finger.
This simple gesture is a powerful show of unity, bringing together TN sufferers and their supporters in a global movement to raise awareness. It offers a way for people to feel connected, no matter where they are.
53 second video describing ShowTN3Fingers here
Face of TN
Making the Invisible Visible
The #FaceofTN campaign invites participants to draw the trigeminal nerve branches on their face and share photos on social media. This representation makes the invisible pain visible, allowing sufferers to communicate their experience in a way that words alone cannot.
40 second video showing the Face of TN makeup being applied with VoiceOver here
Tea for TN #TeaForTNA
This campaign runs throughout the year. We encourage people to get together over a cup of tea and share conversation to raise awareness. If you would like a TeaforTNA fundraising pack, please get in touch with us at [email protected].
