Family Support Groups

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The Child Brain Injury Trust co-ordinates a network of family support groups across the UK which respond to the needs of families within a local/regional area. By their very nature, the support groups should be driven by the needs that families identify.


Support groups provide an opportunity for families to meet and share issues of common concern and increase their understanding of acquired brain injury.


"I was at my wits end, it felt like I was surrounded by experts who didn't seem to care about my child or be able to speak to me in words I understood. The group gave me a chance to meet other parents and friendly staff who helped me understand the system." (Parent)


Many of our groups also provide families with the chance to participate in social activities.


Who are the groups for?


The groups are essentially for families - parents, brothers and sisters and even grandparents - anyone affected by childhood acquired brain injury. Dependent on what families want, professionals may be welcome to join these groups and can be invaluable in terms of knowledge of contacts and access to the physical resources such as meeting room space and secretarial services.


What are the benefits of joining a Child Brain Injury Trust Support group?

  • Share experiences with people you might not otherwise ever meet or know
  • Make new friendships
  • Give and receive support
  • Pick up tips on how to ease the strain at home
  • Feel less stressed, anxious and fearful about what lies ahead
  • Access information and literature about local services which can be helpful
  • Develop new skills

How do I find a group near me?


The list below will give you an indication of where support groups are located across the UK.


BIRMINGHAM
Contact person: Dennis Palmer
30 Regina Avenue
Great Barr
Birmingham B44 8TH
Tel: 01216 035568
Email: dennis.palmer@blueyonder.co.uk


BRISTOL
Contact person: Will Gosling
School Room, Barbara Russell Unit
Frenchay Hospital
Bristol BS16 1LE
Tel: 0117 918 6704
Email: bristolcbit@north-bristol.swest.nhs.uk

CAMBRIDGESHIRE
Contact Person: Vivian Burden
Cambridge
E-mail: vivian.burden@ntlworld.com
Type of group:Group focuses on lobbying for
better services and to raise awareness of acquired
brain injury. The Cambridge group meet on the last
Tuesday of January, April, July and October at Taylor
Vinters Solicitors.


CARDIFF
Contact person: Kate Coles
Hugh James Solicitors
Hodge House
114-116 St Mary's Street
Cardiff CF10 1DY
Tel: 02920 667724
Email: kate.coles@hughjames.com


GLASGOW
Contact Mary at CBIT on 0141 9454894


LEEDS
Contact person: Joan Smith
Tel: 0113 269 5647
or email: joansmith50@yahoo.co.uk
Sue Kendell
Tel: 0113 277 1536

LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND
Contact: Dawn Slow
Bray&Bray Solicitors
36-42 Humberstone Road
Leicester
LE5 0AE
Tel: 0116 2045367
Email: dslow@braybray.co.uk


MANCHESTER
Contact person: Richard Crabtree
c/o Fentons Solicitors
55 Princess Street
Manchester
M2 4EW

Tel: 0161 2386523
Email: richard.crabtree@fentons.co.uk


 


SOMERSET
Contact Person: Stuart Brazington
Withy King
Bryer Ash Business Park
Bradford Road
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14 8AW
E mail:- stuart.brazington@withyking.co.uk
Tel 07788 413356
Type of group:Family group


SOUTH YORKSHIRE
Contact person: Kate Petchey
St. Peter's House
Hartshead
Sheffield S1 2EL
Tel: 0114 2744518
Email: kate.petchey@irwinmitchell.com


WEST LOTHIAN
Contact Mary at CBIT on 0131 2291852


What if there isn't a group in my area?


We recognise that there are a limited number of support groups across the UK and that families need support irrespective of where they live. The Child Brain Injury Trust has a telephone support service, putting families in touch with parents to support each other and share experiences.