A Hull charity is marking 10 years of brain injury support for people across the Humber region.
P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery was founded by Paul Spence in 2016, four years after he survived a life-changing traumatic brain injury following an unprovoked assault.
The charity now regularly welcomes more than 300 people each month to its base in the Wilberforce Health Building, where it provides specialist support, guidance and education for people during recovery.
Over the past decade, the charity has grown from small informal group sessions into a wider service offering weekly social and recreational sessions, day trips, yoga, gym classes, an allotment, talks, presentations and advocacy services.
It also supports family members and loved ones of people living with ABI through peer groups and educational activities.
The anniversary follows another milestone last year, when the charity expanded support to people living in North and North East Lincolnshire, with monthly social sessions in Grimsby and Scunthorpe.
Spence, founder and chief executive, said: “I’m immensely proud of how far the charity has come over the last 10 years, and I feel honoured to be able to celebrate a decade of making a difference with the incredible community we’ve built throughout that time.
“From starting the charity in my back room during the early stages of my own recovery, to having an amazing team of staff, Trustees, Ambassadors and volunteers who are providing a safe place where people can access Positivity, Awareness, Understanding and Love, every day, it’s a privilege to be able to recognise and celebrate this significant moment in our history.
“I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the next 10 years and beyond.”
The charity has also built partnerships with major local businesses and organisations to raise awareness of brain health and support a smoother pathway for brain injury survivors.
Its support is commissioned by the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board. It delivers services as part of an NHS community contract with City Health Care Partnership CIC.
Together with the University of Hull, the charity has developed a Brain Health Board resource to promote understanding of brain health and wellbeing in educational settings across the region.
Nathalie Martin, service delivery manager, said: “Since I joined the team almost eight years ago, it’s been humbling to watch our community grow into the thriving support network it is today, for so many local people and families.
“Our services and activities empower people affected by ABI to make recovery count, and we’re proud to have developed into an integral part of the care pathway over the last 10 years, providing a vital bridge between hospital discharge, and a better life after brain injury.”
