We are delighted to have been chosen as the President’s charity this year, we cannot thank Inez Brown enough for her support of our charity and the families we support who are affected by childhood acquired brain injury. It has been a privilege to lead the charity for the past 17 years. I am passionate about improving families futures and have witnessed many changes and challenges over this time, none more so than over this past 5 months. The pandemic has had a major effect on everyone, and for families affected by brain injury it has been devastating. Unfortunately, illnesses and trauma did not stop and with the NHS under so much pressure, children and young people were discharged early without detailed care plans in place , community services were withdrawn and schools closed, the charity’s services have been in high demand.
The Child Brain Injury Trust (CBIT) has been supporting families since 1991, which means 2021 will be our 30thanniversary. This is a momentous achievement and we are looking forward to celebrating with our team, our supporters, the families we support and of course, Birmingham Law Society.
When a child acquires a brain injury it can have a devastating effect on all the family. Childhood acquired brain injury (ABI) affects approximately 40,000 children and young people each year. The prevalence of ABI is higher than you might first imagine. It affects over 31% of the general population, yet there is very little recognition or support structures in place for many of these families.
CBIT supports families and professionals across the UK, working with children and young people who find themselves in need of information and support about what’s happened and how to cope. We provide much needed practical and emotional support to help deal with issues which may arise over time. This might include issues relating to home circumstances, education issues, legal enquiries, rehabilitation services, financial needs, behavioural, developmental and many more. Our main priority is for families to achieve their potential and to make a positive difference to their lives by working with them from the early stages through until they are ready to transition to adulthood.
We work with over 5,000 families a year, and in Birmingham we receive over 150 referrals a year. Our ABI Coordinator across the Midlands is Sharon and she does a truly remarkable job. She supports families and makes the impossible seem possible. We are usually the only organisation able to offer this specialised intervention.
We supported Henry when at 11 years old he sustained a traumatic brain injury and femoral fracture after being hit by a car. He was transferred to a major trauma centre and after five weeks in hospital, he was discharged home for a further five weeks, before being admitted to a rehabilitation centre for residential neurorehabilitation.
Before the accident, Henry was a well-behaved and sociable boy who liked to spend time with his family and friends. He was doing well at school and was performing at an above-average level. He enjoyed ‘typical’ activities for a boy of his age such as playing with his X-box or watching television, reading, going to the park and for picnics. Post-injury, he had difficulties with short-term memory and showed signs of frustration. He experienced problems with repetitive behaviour, repetitive word use and impulsivity. He suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and had dreams about the accident.
CBIT supported the family in hospital and helped Henry transition from hospital to home. We conducted ABI sessions at Henry’s school to raise awareness and coping strategies in school. Follow-up meetings were held which resulted in a reduced timetable. Unfortunately, Henry and his mother did not feel his school was able to provide the required support and he moved to a specialist educational needs school which he is enjoying.
CBIT supported the family’s applications for an Educational Health Care Plan, Disability Living Allowance, Legal representation by ABI specialist solicitors, Benefits review and a supporting letter to assist with employment flexible working hours. The family also attended the Houses of Parliament to take part in raising awareness of an acquired brain injuries.
Support from the CBIT is still in place and will continue until Henry is 24, if he and his family wishes. Henry still has difficulties managing his behaviour and struggles with fatigue and outbursts. His mother says that without the support of CBIT, coping with these issues would have been unmanageable. She continues to engage with our live eLearning sessions and visits our library of eLearning regularly to give her and her family coping strategies to support Henry. The whole family has attended Family Events with our Charity and the Major Trauma Centre and says that it’s wonderful to meet other children and families that have been on similar journeys. The family says that the future is looking brighter than they could have ever believed.
We are looking forward to getting to know members of the Birmingham Law Society and to seeing all the fundraising efforts. All funds raised for our work are invested in our service – making a difference to families affected by acquired brain injury. It is needed now more than ever.
Lisa Turan
CEO