Call for Evidence launched for national brain injury strategy

Today (Monday 14 March) UKABIF joined other brain injury charities and organisations at the House Of Commons for the launch of the Call for Evidence in the Government’s recently agreed Acquired Brain Injury national strategy.

The Minister of State for Care and Mental Health, Gillian Keegan and Chris Bryant MP announced the launch of the Call for Evidence.

Chris Bryant, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Acquired Brain Injury, secured the ABI strategy at the end of 2021 and he and Gillian Keegan co-chair the ABI strategy programme board which first met earlier this year.

Chloe Hayward, Executive Director of UK Acquired Brain Injury Forum (UKABIF), said: “We are very pleased the government is giving acquired brain injury the attention it deserves with the ABI Strategy.

“The call for evidence will help the panel to focus and prioritise their efforts, so we need people with lived experience of brain injury – whether, survivors, carers or professionals - to participate. This will ensure the panel has the best available information to develop their strategy.”

Minister of State for Care and Mental Health, Gillian Keegan, said: “It is absolutely essential people living with acquired brain injury get the best possible care and treatment and that we take steps to prevent these injuries wherever possible.

“Together the cross-government programme board and the call for evidence will allow us to deliver a strategy to address issues that matter most to those with acquired brain injuries and other neurological conditions.

Chris Bryant MP said: “I’m delighted that the government is starting to pull together a cross government strategy on acquired brain injury.

“We need people to come forward with ideas and suggestions based on their experience of brain injury as practitioners, patients or family members so we can get this strategy right.

“I urge everyone to take part if they think they have an insight to offer.”

To have your say in the Call for Evidence go to https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/acquired-brain-injury-call-for-evidence

and complete the survey. If you require further information, contact ABIcallforevidence@dhsc.gov.uk