A new project has been launched to increase the levels of support to brain injury survivors and their families in the earliest stages of recovery.
Better Together is a partnership between Headway East London and The Royal London Hospital, which will see staff from the charity work with clinical teams to deliver targeted advice and information to survivors and loved ones early into their care and rehabilitation.
Headway East London’s casework team will lead the project, which will help with navigating the health and social care system, understand benefits entitlements and signpost to other specialist services.
The project is geared towards helping families to avoid the psychological, financial and personal crises that so commonly affect them as they adjust to life with brain injury.
Better Together builds on a five-year relationship between the Hackney-based charity and hospital and increases the support on offer further still.
Alice Kershberg, neurotrauma clinical nurse specialist at The Royal London Hospital, part of Barts Health NHS Trust, says: “I am very excited to recommence this wonderful collaboration. Headway East London provide vital support and guidance.
“Having witnessed the positive impact they have on brain injury survivors and really noticing their lack on input in the early stages in the hospital I cannot wait for their return”.
Key to the delivery and success of this work is Headway East London’s peer support worker, Dean Harding, who brings lived experience and personal insight to those in need and will be present on the ward to make bedside visits upon request.
“When I was in the critical early stages of my recovery there was no one to tell me or my loved ones how the injury would affect my life,” says Dean.
“I am in a unique position to be able to share my experiences and advice, and I’m looking forward to getting into The Royal London Hospital and connecting with people when they need it most.”
Chief Executive at Headway East London, Anna McEwen, adds: “The earlier that families and survivors can access support following a brain injury, the better equipped they will be upon discharge as they navigate this new journey.
“We’re confident this project will allow us to reach hundreds more within our catchment area, and thank both the clinical teams and our sponsors for their support.”
The project has been sponsored by law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp, which has for the past three years funded Headway East London’s peer support worker role. Better Together also expands on the ongoing work of the casework team, which is currently receiving a four-year National Lottery Community Fund grant.
Ipek Tugcu, senior associate at Bolt Burdon Kemp, says: “I represent brain injury survivors and work closely with Headway East London, as a mentor to Dean.
“Having a brain injury affects the whole family, and patients can often be discharged with more questions than answers.
“Our project will provide face-to-face advice and information about the practical issues of surviving a brain injury, offering patients and their loved ones reassurance and information about support services that exist once they’re home”.
- Better Together at The Royal London Hospital runs every Wednesday afternoon (Ward 12E&F). For more information on the service, contact [email protected].
