The Acquired Brain Injury UK Strategy
By Alyson Norman
There are very few people in the professional world of brain injury who aren’t aware of the current Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) strategy that is being worked on by Government. For those outside of the professional world, it is possible this is something that you have missed. The process of getting a strategy has been ongoing since 2021 and the report is due to be published ‘shortly’ according to Liz Truss, MP talking to NR Times in July https://nrtimes.co.uk/abi-strategy-due-shortly-lbistory/
We are all looking forward to hearing what the response to the call for evidence was from last summer and how that will be translated into some key Government objectives for supporting those with brain injury and their families.
Why is the strategy for important for families?
While the picture of long-term care for people with brain injuries in the UK is distinctly patchy, the services, support and information available to family is practically non-existent. It has long been the hope of Anchor Point that family needs will be looked at as seriously as the needs of individuals those with brain injuries themselves. Often, the focus remains entirely on the injured person, or if family are considered, it is only in terms of how they can support the ongoing rehabilitation of the injured person. Family members often make huge sacrifices and undergo massive life changes to support their loved ones. This is a role that goes unpaid and broadly unnoticed. It is imperative that they are also looked after and have their needs met. This should not just be for the wellbeing of the injured person, but also to improve the quality of life of families more generally.
When will the strategy be published?
That remains a question on many people’s lips. The strategy report was not published prior to the summer recess but we all hope it will be announced soon. The next session of parliament returned on the 4th September, so it is possible that an announcement will be made in the very near future.
When the announcement is made, we at Anchor Point will be ready to digest the detail and will summarise to family members and the general public what the strategy might mean for family members after ABI going forward.