| Welsh Parliament Petition |
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In 2022, a petition was submitted to the Welsh Senedd, led by Dr Claire Williams from Swansea University's School of Psychology, advocating for the 'appropriate provision of services and support for people with Acquired Brain Injury in Wales.' This petition garnered significant support, leading to three discussions at the petitions committee and meaningful engagement with key stakeholders, including Eluned Morgan AS/MS and Jo Whiteford, Chief Executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. Throughout the process, our efforts focussed on drawing attention to critical issues outlined in our 2021 'Acquired Brain Injury and Neurorehabilitation in Wales: Time for Change' report. We emphasised key recommendations across Neurorehabilitation, Education, Criminal Justice, Sport-related Traumatic Brain Injury, and the Welfare Benefits System. As examples, we advocated for sustained investment and expansion of services across Wales to meet the needs of individuals with acquired brain injury, particularly addressing the significant gap in service provision in North Wales. We also highlighted the necessity for specialist NHS paediatric neurorehabilitation services, ensuring access to high-quality care for children and young people. Additionally, we advocated for progress and transparency regarding the development of the acquired brain injury data dashboard in Wales as a national repository to understand service demand, impact, equity of access, and service quality. We also campaigned for the widespread implementation of the Rehabilitation Prescription, inclusion of brain injury experts on welfare benefits consultation panels, and reforms in criminal justice procedures to accommodate the needs of individuals with acquired brain injury. Furthermore, we underscored the importance of timely, ongoing, and local support services for children with acquired brain injury and called for sustained investment in training new educational psychologists in Wales. Through such advocacy and meaningful exchange, we are steadfast in our commitment to support meaningful change and enhance the lives of those affected by acquired brain injury in Wales. Together, we strive to build a future where every individual receives the support and care they deserve, ensuring that no one faces the challenges of acquired brain injury alone.
Petitions Committee Correspondence and Responses
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