Brain injury networking forum welcomes two charities
Charities and professionals who support people living with a brain injury came together to share their experience and expertise at a special event in Telford.
The Brain Injury Networking Forum was hosted by Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors at the firm’s Telford office, featuring speakers from charities Headway and Peeps.
The aim of the event was to bring people together who work in the field of brain injury, whether as a healthcare professional, a charity providing support, or a family member of someone affected by a brain trauma.
Debbie Humphries, a partner in Lanyon Bowdler’s personal injury team, said it was an informative and inspiring morning.
“We were delighted to welcome representatives from Peeps and Headway who gave fascinating presentations on the amazing work each charity does,” she said.
“It was a mutually supportive event, with lots of different perspectives in the room, so we discussed various rehabilitation techniques, as well as the challenges of finding the right support at the right time.”
Sarah Land, who established the Peeps charity with her husband Steve, told the audience that Peeps was the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting families with children affected by a lack of oxygen to the brain, usually around the time of birth, known as HIE (hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy).
Sarah said: “The name of our charity came from friends who affectionately referred to our daughter Heidi as ‘Heidi-Peeps’ when she was in hospital.
“We offer emotional support such as counselling and trauma therapy, practical support, including free parent packs for those in neonatal care at the start of their journey, along with financial support through equipment funds, our ‘coffee pot’ for families in hospital and Sulley’s Fund for bereaved families.
“It was a great experience to attend the Brain Injury Networking Forum and we met some really interesting people who we hope may well become supporters of the charity now and in years to come.”
Headway is a charity providing care, support, and rehabilitation to people with acquired brain injuries in and around Shropshire.
Registered manager Amanda Vincent and activity coordinator Amanda Berry attended the forum to explain how Headway helped people improve their quality of life in a range of different ways.
Amanda Vincent said: “We were grateful to Lanyon Bowdler for inviting us to the event, which was a good opportunity to raise awareness of the activities we provide here in Shropshire.
“It was also great to meet people like Sarah and build relationships with fellow charities and professionals which helps all of us continue our work to support people with brain injuries and their families.”
