The National Tremor Foundation (NTF) brought together leading clinicians, researchers, and members of the neurological tremor community for a successful conference held on 28 March at the Vermont Hotel in Newcastle upon Tyne, as part of National Essential Tremor Awareness Month.

The event provided a valuable platform for sharing expertise, raising awareness, and strengthening support for people living with neurological tremor. Attendees heard from a diverse range of speakers covering clinical advances, lived experience, and community support.

The programme featured contributions from leading experts including Professor Peter Bain, an internationally recognised authority on tremor and co-founder of the NTF, alongside Consultant Neurologists Dr Matteo Ciocca and Dr David Ledingham, who shared insights into the latest developments in treatment, including advanced therapies such as deep brain stimulation and focused ultrasound.

The conference also highlighted the importance of lived experience and peer support. Jackie Farrell, NTF Support Group Coordinator, shared her personal journey with essential tremor and her ongoing work raising awareness and supporting others. Ian Sharp spoke about his experience of diagnosis and treatment, while Kitty Reilly, Chair of the NTF Board of Trustees, spoke about her lived experience as a parent of a child living with a tremor, reinforcing the charity’s commitment to supporting individuals and families affected by neurological tremor.

Broader community perspectives were represented by speakers including Paula Bennett from Age UK North Tyneside and Carl Beech, founder of BeechBand, who discussed wellbeing and innovation in support tools.

In addition to the speaker programme, attendees had the opportunity to engage with a range of organisations through exhibition stalls, including Boston Scientific, Insightec, the DBS Nurses Association, BeechBand, and the NTF, alongside accessibility technology support from Logitech.

Kitty Reilly, Chair of the NTF, said: “It was incredibly meaningful to see so many people come together to share their experiences and support one another. As a parent of a child living with a tremor, I understand firsthand the challenges families face, which is why events like this are so important. They provide not only knowledge and clinical insight, but also a vital sense of community and reassurance that no one is facing this alone. With continued support, we can ensure these opportunities remain available to those who need them most.”

The conference formed a key part of National Essential Tremor Awareness Month, helping to increase understanding of the condition, promote available treatments, and connect individuals with support networks.

The NTF continues to play a vital role in advancing awareness and improving the lives of those affected by neurological tremor across the UK.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and contributed to making the event such a success.

To help us continue delivering events like this and supporting people living with tremor, please consider making a donation today. Your support enables us to raise awareness, fund research, and provide vital services to those who need them most.

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