• 11^th International Facial Nerve Symposium in Rome, April 2009.
• Special event led by inspirational world leaders in facial rehabilitation.
• The event created an atmosphere of openness, learning and sharing of best practice.
• Despite the conference being multidisciplinary and including surgeons, physicians, researchers and therapists there were no professional boundaries.
• Integration between the professional groups led to a unique opportunity for sharing knowledge, enthusiasm and ideas with the common goal being a strive for excellence in the management of facial nerve disorders.

• A group of enthusiastic and innovative therapists specialising in facial rehabilitation from UK NHS centres in Birmingham, East Grinstead and Southampton.
• Included speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and psychotherapists.
• Despite knowing of each others specialist centres this was the first opportunity we had to get together in what was an inspiring location to discuss facial matters.
• Founding members:
  • Catriona Neville (ESP Physiotherapist at Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust)
  • Lorraine Clapham (Superintendant Physiotherapist, Southampton General Hospital)
  • Vanessa Venables (Advanced Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, QVH NHSFT)
  • Sally Glover (Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, University Hospitals Birmingham NHSFT)
  • Dr Theresa Rose (Consultant Psychological Therapist, QVH NHSFT).

• Through discussion we recognised the similarities and differences in our practice, the range of outcome measures we were using and the difficulties associated in undertaking quality research in this area.
• We also had the opportunity to share patient experiences and innovative ideas for patient care.
• We were all enthusiastic and recognised the need to progress the field of facial nerve rehabilitation in the UK.

• Knowledge and expertise of facial nerve function and recovery
• Ability to educate the patient
• Ability to educate other professions
• Functional rehabilitation of the face
• Psychological support
• Chemodenervation
• SEMG assessment and biofeedback
• Acupuncture
• Social interaction skills training
• Strategies to enhance facial appearance

• Establishing best practice.
• Setting standards for assessment, outcome measures and management.
• Collaboration for research including peer support and opportunities for multi-centre trials.
• Providing support network and training for all therapists involved in facial rehabilitation.
• Improving access for patients to quality regional care following facial palsy.

We were awarded charitable status by the Charity Commission in October 2023. Our charity number is 1205406