One of the most prominent names in the campaign for change for brain injury survivors has been awarded a knighthood in the recent New Year’s Honours.
Chris Bryant MP has been knighted for political and public service, of which his tireless commitment to ABI survivors is a central factor.
Having been at the forefront of efforts to introduce an ABI Strategy, to simplify and widen access to appropriate support for brain injury survivors, Sir Chris is now leading the development of such a strategy, which is set to be introduced later this year.
Sir Chris’s knighthood also comes in recognition of his political work, namely his work on the phone hacking scandal, and in pushing for sanctions against Russia over its aggression in Ukraine.
The MP for Rhondda confessed to being “amazed” at news of receiving the honour, adding: “Many others who work in brain injury deserve this far more than I do but it will definitely spur me on to get a national brain injury strategy in place this year.”
For the past five years, Sir Chris has worked closely with UKABIF and a number of other charities and organisations in the brain injury community to ensure there is increased awareness of ABI in parliament.
Sir Chris agreed to chair the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Acquired Brain Injury in 2017 and a year later hosted an event to publish the APPG’s Report entitled Acquired Brain Injury and Neurorehabilitation: Time for Change. The report focused on a number of areas and outlined key recommendations for change. Since then, UKABIF has developed a series of working parties aiming to bring the recommendations to fruition.
Sir Chris has been consistent and persistent in his drive to improve access to neuro-rehabilitation, as well as highlighting the need for improved access to training and information in a number of professions. He has met with numerous Ministers and officials, hosted debates and round tables and asked questions in parliament on a range of issues.
Last year, Sir Chris developed a Private Members’ Bill which resulted in the Government agreeing to develop a strategy for acquired brain injury. The strategy seeks to involve a broad range of Government departments reflecting the complexity and breadth of issues which face those who live with brain injury and their families.
Chloe Hayward, UKABIF’s executive director, said: “On behalf of everyone who has suffered from a brain injury their families and carers, those working professionally as clinicians, academics, case managers, lawyers and in social care we would like to congratulate Chris on this honour.
“It is so well deserved – we could not ask for a better advocate in parliament to help us raise these important issues.
“We are looking forward to seeing the publication of the strategy in 2023 and are working closely with the Public and Patient Voice Representative Group to ensure this piece of work is as widely informed as possible.”
