Key aspects are the role of GPs, the voluntary sector and, where needed, supported/residential accommodation.
Primary care
Given their central role as the ‘gatekeepers’ to many services, and an important link with the family, it would be very helpful if GPs were more aware of the effects of brain injury, and the services available. This is being addressed by Headway UK – see https://www.headway.org.uk/gp.aspx where GPs can find much useful information.
GPs might also find the following guidance helpful – Has your patient had a brain injury?
Voluntary sector organisations
Headway Groups and other voluntary sector organisations have an important role as part of the long term care pathway.
Headway Groups
Headway Groups provide important social rehabilitation and long-term peer support to survivors and carers and family members.
There is currently a major lack of overall capacity in terms of Headway support services across London. The current six Headway Groups in London are:
Headway East London www.headwayeastlondon.org/
Headway North London www.headwaynorthlondon.org
Headway North West London http://www.headwaynorthwestlondon.org.uk/
Headway South East London/North West Kent http://www.headwayselnwk.co.uk/
Headway South West London http://www.headwayswlondon.org/
Headway West London http://www.headwaywestlondon.org.uk/
Other voluntary sector organisations which offer services in London
The Silverlining http://www.thesilverlining.org.uk/
Friends of Attend ABI (fAABI) https://faabi.org.uk/
Different Strokes https://differentstrokes.co.uk/
Community and rehabilitation services for children with brain injury in London:
The Child Brain Injury Trust
https://childbraininjurytrust.org.uk
and the Child Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service
https://childbraininjurytrust.org.uk/services-guide/child-brain-injury-rehabilitation-service-cbirs/
and
The Children’s Trust
https://www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/brain-injury-community-services-proxy
https://www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/brain-injury-rehabilitation-services
Supported and residential accommodation
There is also for some people a need for supported accommodation, with knowledgeable support onsite or otherwise readily available; this would be a partnership between Local Authority Housing and Social Services.
For others, who are unable to be supported in their own homes, there is a need for local specialist residential accommodation. The Headway UK Approved Provider Scheme provides accreditation of such services – see https://www.headway.org.uk/approved-care-providers.aspx