- Download Headway News spring 2018 (PDF)
Isn't it nice when someone says 'I'm listening'...
It feels that these days there’s always so much ‘noise’. So many opinions about so many issues that we’re expected to care passionately about. It can be easy to feel that our voices and the things we care deeply about don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. After all, who’s listening? So when someone does listen it’s uplifting to say the least.
The good news is that Parliament is listening! For example, 656 people contributed to our study into whether or not PIP and ESA assessments work well for brain injury claimants. They should feel proud that their evidence contributed to a Work and Pensions Committee report that stated the current system results in ‘untenable human costs to claimants’.
Real change has been called for and we are using our new Right First Time campaign to see that it happens. We’re working really hard to make the voices of people directly affected by brain injury heard by politicians across the UK – and that effort is paying off.
Over the past few weeks and months, we have engaged with dozens of politicians to encourage them to support our work and get more involved with their local Headway groups or branches. We’ve contributed to several debates and inquiries on issues including disability benefits, carbon monoxide poisoning, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, and hospital parking charges.
We’ve even been mentioned in Prime Minister’s Questions – the most high-profile debate in the House of Commons.
Noise is a funny thing. There will always be times when you want nothing more than a ‘mute’ button for life, but then there are the times when you want to increase the volume to maximum to make sure everyone is listening to what’s being said.
One thing is for certain – we will keep listening to you and keep working to make sure others do likewise.
After all, only by working together can we continue to improve life after brain injury.
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