Headway - the brain injury association the leading voice for survivors, their families and carers, has welcomed the debate and the fantastic level of support from MPs on all sides of the House, with MPs from every political party in the Commons taking part.
Dr Clare Mills, Public Affairs Manager for Headway, said: "Survivors, their families and carers, as well as all of us working in the field of acquired brain injury, will be heartened to see members from all parties coming together to state their support and understanding of the many challenges those living with ABI have on a daily basis.
"It was also telling that so many members spoke of their personal experience of ABI, drawing attention to the prevalence of ABI - from a multitude of causes - in the UK.
"It seems that everyone knows someone who has been affected by ABI. With that in mind, Headway will continue to work with and challenge government and opposition parties alike to improve access to health, support and rehabilitation services."
The debate covered numerous issues around ABI from the causes of brain injury to the impact on children, education, work opportunities and involvement with the criminal justice system.
It also touched on the work of the major trauma network and the patchy provision of specialist rehabilitation.
Headway’s Right First Time campaign, showing the desperate hardship faced by survivors and their families trying to navigate the disability benefits system, was also discussed.
Dr Mills added: "A life worth saving has to be a life worth living, and that means survivors should not be kept in a state of stress and uncertainty over whether they will be able to access the rehabilitation, support and financial security to which they are entitled.
"As the Minister said at the start of the debate, there are thought to be at least one million people living with ABI in the UK. Government officials put the cost of ABI at over £1 billion every year.
"We need to make sure that money is put to the best use to make sure survivors, families and carers all have the services and support they need to live meaningful lives."Back
