The University of Northampton becomes the first educational institution to sign up to Motor Neurone Disease Charter

The University of Northampton has become the first educational institution to sign up to the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Charter to help promote the rights of people with MND and their carers amongst students and staff.

The signing took place on Wednesday 12 March with representatives from the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the collaboration will include the development of new modes of professional training and education, volunteering and internship opportunities for students, as well as the potential for joint research.

The Charter is gaining attention from wide ranging establishments and is recognised as a tool to help increase understanding of MND and the priorities of good care and support for people living with this condition.

Chris James, Director of External Affairs at the Motor Neurone Disease Association said “Making the MND Charter a reality relies on well-educated professionals, well-informed communities and future generations, so we are delighted that the University of Northampton has signed the MND Charter. This provides a significant opportunity to reach a wider audience and promote awareness of the five points of the MND Charter amongst students and staff across all disciplines.”

Professor Nick Petford, Vice Chancellor of the University of Northampton, commented: “The collaboration with the MND Association offers our students and staff an opportunity to help develop a greater understanding of the disease and to provide professional development to the practitioners currently involved in the care of individuals and their families living with MND. In addition, with the help of the MND Association, it is our aim to provide current and future students access to specialist learning about the disease.”​

Find out more about the Motor Neurone Disease Association​ and the work it does