Three inspirational people have been shortlisted for an NR Times Award.
The awards finalists are all playing pivotal roles in supporting and advancing brain and spinal injury rehab.
The shortlist will now be assessed by a nominated judge from category sponsor, Tru Rehab, with the winner announced at a virtual ceremony on November 29.
Tru Rehab is a specialist Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) rehabilitation facility, which operates within residential units and community outreach to provide a full pathway of active rehabilitation, pre- community re-entry, supported living and community re-integration, including repatriation to original locality.
Congratulations to the finalists and thank you to everyone who entered.
Inspirational Contribution Award Shortlist
Jennifer Rudd, Case Manager, Jennifer Rudd Case Management
Jennifer was nominated by one of her clients who said:
“A year on from my injury I have accommodation that suits both me, with the need to mobilise via a wheelchair, and my wife, while separately in a flat above there is accommodation for the carers and this bespoke and unique arrangement allows for privacy and homeliness.
“I have a care package that is appropriate to my complex and ever-changing needs while still allowing me autonomy and a degree of independence.
“I have a therapy team who, facilitated by Jenni, are exploring every feasible avenue to assist in my recovery.
Thanks to Jenni, goals such as living as close to a normal life as possible, locally, have been realised.”
Martin Gascoigne, Founder and CEO, Neuro Case Management
When Martin Gascoigne, a social worker specialising in brain injury, set up his own case management company in 2010, he had little more than a pen and an impressive amount of perseverance.
Almost 15 years later, Neuro Case Management is the UK’s largest independent case management firm, employing over 100 staff and supporting clients throughout the country.
But Martin has rarely spoken about one of the biggest drivers behind his success.
At the age of 19, he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary eye disease which causes black pigmentation and gradual degeneration of the retina.
“I’ve always found I’ve tended to work a lot harder than anyone else,” he says.
“Back then if you told anyone that you had a disability you were judged, so I set out to prove everyone wrong.
“I never wanted anyone to feel sorry for me, or come to me because I had a disability. I just wanted to stand toe-to-toe with every other case manager out there and be judged on my own merit.”
Teresa Skinner, Support Line Officer, Spinal Injuries Association
Teresa Skinner has run the support line at Spinal Injuries Association for eight years.
Described by the charity’s CEO as “the lynchpin of SIA – the 111 of spinal injury”, the support line receives around 2,500 calls a year, averaging at 48 calls a week, from people living with spinal cord injuries looking for help and advice.
Teresa’s is often the first voice people hear when they call the charity for help.
Whether she is helping friends, family, and carers access information on how to care for their loved one, or an individual with a spinal cord injury who is looking for help from the support team, Teresa offers understanding, reassurance, and a pathway to practical support.
