The Government has launched a call for evidence to help inform how it works to support people affected by acquired brain injury (ABI).
Ministers want to hear first-hand from people who have an ABI and those closest to them. They also want to hear from organisations and professionals who can share their expertise as part of the open consultation.
They want to know what help or services need improving, what already works well and what other support should be made available.
What is an ABI?
An acquired brain injury is a non-degenerative injury to the brain since birth. It can be a traumatic injury, for example, caused by a road traffic accident or non-traumatic, which has a range of causes, such as a stroke.
About the consultation
The findings from the exercise will help inform the development of the Government’s acquired brain injury strategy. They want ideas from which they can build a plan to help prevent brain injuries and enhance the care and support available to people affected.
In a joint foreword regarding the opening of the consultation, the Minister of State for Care and Mental Health, Gillian Keegan, and MP for Rhondda, Chris Bryant, said: “We know that [an] acquired brain injury can have a devastating impact on an individual, with its impact felt across many aspects of their life.
“As well as the health impact, it affects family life. It can disrupt close relationships, make employment more difficult and severely damage an individual’s finances.
“Even minor head injuries can cause short-term impairment, and repeated minor injuries can do long-lasting harm.
“Those living with more severe ABI are likely to have complex long-term problems affecting their cognitive and functional abilities, personality, close relationships and ability to return to an independent life.
“We are committed to supporting all people living with an ABI and we recognise that by working collaboratively and having a cross-departmental approach we can strengthen the support that people receive from statutory services.”
The consultation is now open and will run until 11.45 pm on 6 June 2022 – so be sure to have your say.
It is open to everyone over the age of 16. People can respond as an individual or on behalf of an organisation.
The consultation can be completed here.
At Synergy Complex Care, we provide personalised care and support for adults and children living with brain injuries in their own homes.
If you or a loved one needs support, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today.