Liverpool-based organisation The Brain Charity, which supports people affected by neurological conditions as well as their families and carers, worked with ITN Business to create the programme. Filming of an exclusive report took place at The Brain Charity’s centre on Norton Street and features stories from those affected by neurological conditions.

Inside Neurology: Our Unique Brain highlights the experiences of those affected by neurological conditions and champions neurodiversity. The programme also explores the positive efforts in healthcare and science to support people living with neurological conditions.

The programme features interviews with The Brain Charity’s CEO, Pippa Sargent who discusses the work of The Brain Charity and explains why it is so important to support people with neurological conditions. This exclusive interview also shines a spotlight on neurodiversity and why is it important to reframe thinking about neurodiversity and champion individuals who are neurodivergent.

Pippa Sargent, CEO of The Brain Charity, said:

“Inside Neurology: Our Unique Brain provides an important insight into what it means to live with a neurological condition.

“Through this film, we want to raise awareness of neurological conditions and to create a wider conversation around neurodiversity – because all brains are different and this diversity is an advantage.

“Neurodivergence affects 15-20% of the population. People who are neurodivergent can have cognitive differences around sensory processing, communicating and co-ordination. Being neurodivergent can bring attributes such as creativity, intelligence, big picture thinking and a fresh perspective – skills which are valued in workplaces, businesses and society as a whole.

“By breaking down the barriers in place for those who have a neurological condition, or who are neurodivergent, we can be part of the solution in creating an understanding society free from stigma.”

Every year 600,000 people are diagnosed for the first time with a neurological condition; they account for 25% of all disabilities in this country.

A neurological condition is any condition that affects the brain, spinal cord or nervous system. There are more than 600 conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nervous system. The Brain Charity champions neurodiversity and provides practical help, emotional support, and social activities for every single one.

Many neurological conditions are well-known, such as stroke, dementia, cluster headaches and ADHD. But there are also hundreds of conditions that are much less well-known, such as trigeminal neuralgia, Alice in Wonderland Syndrome and Huntington’s disease.

The programme also highlights important work by other organisations including The Neurological Alliance, which is a collaboration of more than 100 organisations all committed to improving treatment, care and support for people affected by neurological conditions.

Georgina Carr, the Chief Executive of the Neurological Alliance discusses the ‘Back the 1 in 6” campaign’, which calls for improvements to treatment and care for people affected by neurological conditions.

Alongside Georgina Carr in the ITN Studio is Barrie Smith, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s almost two decades ago. Barrie talks about how it affects him on a day-to-day basis, his treatment and care, what improvements he would like to see in healthcare for people with Parkinson’s.

The programme includes sponsored editorial profiles from the following organisations:

• Idorsia Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd share their work with a variety of partners that are raising awareness of chronic insomnia and the adverse impacts for those affected and the economy.
• PSPA – PSP (Progressive supranuclear palsy) and CBD (Corticobasal degeneration) are two misunderstood neurological conditions. Life expectancy is on average just 7 years, yet it takes approximately 3 years to get diagnosed. Charity PSPA demonstrates its support for people living with these conditions and discusses its work to raise awareness in the medical community and beyond.
• FND Hope talks about Functional Neurological Disorder, a problem with the functioning of the nervous system and how the brain and body send and receive signals. FND Hope UK’s mission is to promote awareness, support affected individuals and advance
research for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of FND.
• Pfizer and The Migraine Trust demonstrate their commitment to help improve the lives of people with migraines by raising awareness of the impact of the condition on individuals and society and supporting research and education.

Inside Neurology: Our Unique Brain will be available to watch online on the ITN Business Hub and on The Brain Charity’s website on 10th January 2024.

Head of ITN Business, Nina Harrison-Bell said:

“Inside Neurology: Our Unique Brain underscores the critical need for heightened awareness and support for individuals with neurological conditions. Through this programme and our partnership with The Brain Charity, ITN Business aims to shed light on the pivotal work of organisations championing neurodiversity and advocating for enhanced care and understanding for all those with neurological conditions.”

Dawn White, Senior Producer, said:

“Inside Neurology: Our Unique Brain stands as a testament to the power of informative storytelling in shaping perceptions and driving change. Through compelling narratives and firsthand accounts, this programme serves as a platform to amplify voices, raise awareness, and foster a more inclusive understanding of neurological conditions.”

To view the programme please visit:
thebraincharity.org.uk/inside-neurology-our-unique-brain-itn