UKABIF Networking Session from ‘The Future of Brain Injury in an Innovative World’ Conference

by Imogen Lowden, serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell

In June 2021, the United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum (UKABIF) launched the Strategic Partnership Programme, with Irwin Mitchell Solicitors (IM) proudly working as one of the lead partners. 

The partners have been regularly meeting with UKABIF to support the activities connected to the “Time for Change” campaign. This campaign was implemented through the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) to improve post-acute care and make a lasting and meaningful impact on outcomes for people suffering from a brain injury. 

With brain injury being raised as a key health matter over 490 times in Parliament throughout 2020 - compared with just 19 times between 2010 to 2017 - it is clear there is a pressing demand for change.

Brain injury conference

On 14 July IM hosted a conference focusing on ‘The Future of Brain Injury in an Innovative World’. It was really encouraging to hear Chloe Hayward, UKABIF’s executive director, speak about the impact the Strategic Partnership Programme is already having on encouraging collaboration between organisations, clinicians and those living with brain injury. 

With Covid-19 having led to remote working and remote forms of communication, it is now more important than ever to focus on building and maintaining connections in order to utilise the national network of those specialising in supporting those with acquired brain injuries. 

Chloe Hayward reinforced the importance of maintaining the regional and special interest groups across the UK to allow a vital platform for people to share their knowledge and experience. This reinforces UKABIF’s strength which “lies in bringing people together, working closely with government and Parliament, academics, charities, medical, legal and social care professionals to ensure that our demands for change are evidence-based, logical and practical as a first step to policy change”. 

It is hoped the Strategic Partnership Programme will continue to progress the Time for Change campaign and keep Acquired Brain Injury at the forefront of lobbying for change.

Collaboration key to helping people with brain injuries access rehab

Collaboration is clearly key to achieving the collective vision of raising awareness of acquired brain injury and making neurorehabilitation accessible and equitable for all. 

UKABIF’s Time for Change Summit will be taking place at the Royal Society of Medicine in London on 8 November, 2021. 

As a solicitor working in the Serious Injury department at Irwin Mitchell, I know all too well the importance of securing properly funded rehabilitation for those having sustained a brain injury. 

If we can increase the provision of national rehabilitation services, support and outcomes for those injured, vital change can be made to improve the lives of those affected by brain injuries. 

It will therefore be really interesting to hear what further strides have been, and continue to be, made across the UK - watch this space.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people following brain injury at our dedicated serious injury section.

Collaboration is clearly key to achieving the collective vision of raising awareness of acquired brain injury and making neurorehabilitation accessible and equitable for all”