In Spring 2014 Headway conducted two surveys to examine the impact government reforms of the welfare benefits system and cuts to local authority budgets are having on the lives of people affected by brain injury.
- Are funding cuts having an impact on the lives of people affected by brain injury? A survey of brain injury survivors
- Are local funding cuts having an impact on the ability of Headway groups and branches to support those affected by brain injury? A survey of Headway groups and branches
This report presents a summary of the findings of each survey and their respective implications.
The surveys were designed to inform Headway's 2014 Action for Brain Injury Week campaign entitled 'Don't cut me out'. The campaign set out to raise awareness of the impact of welfare reforms and spending cuts on brain injured people and Headway support services.
The questionnaires were hosted on the Survey Monkey website (www.surveymonkey.net) and promoted via emails to all Headway groups and branches, the Headway website and social media channels. Groups and branches were asked to encourage as many service users as possible to take part and to provide any help necessary. Hard copies were also made available to download from the Headway website or sent out on request.
The surveys generated a good response, with 504 brain injury survivors and 92 Headway groups and branches taking part.
Headway would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took the time to participate.
Key findings
Reduced access to support services for brain injured people a 'ticking time bomb'
- 48% of people living with brain injury have lost access to vital rehabilitation and support services as a result of cuts to local authority budgets and welfare benefits reform
- 70% believe loss of access to support services will lead to greater reliance on state support in long term
- 70% concerned about ability to cope financially due to welfare benefits reform
- More than half report a deterioration in their quality of life
Charities struggling to cope with reduced support from local authorities
- 57% of Headway groups believe changes to local authority support have already had a direct impact on their ability to provide support services
- 85% of local Headway groups concerned about long-term survival
- 89% forced to use reserves or additional charity funds to maintain vital services
