MATRIX Neurological is an innovative children’s charity based in Middlesbrough, established to provide practical help and support to children, young people and their families who are living with the effects of childhood acquired brain injury following an accident or illness.                        

Call 01642 989116 for help & assistance or complete our contact form using the button below:

BBC Children in Need Launch - Look North Broadcast

Traumatic Brain Injury statistics

Locally, almost 2500 children & young people aged under 25 sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury in 2022, caused by a head injury. The majority were under16 and received no further follow up!

South Tees Star Awards 2022 Nominee

'Leading the Way for Change'. Recognised in the South Tees Star Awards 2022.

Callum Rock

Read Callum's inspirational story that started the charity

What is an acquired brain injury?

Read more

Deficits caused by an Acquired Brain Injury

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OUR MISSION: To work to remove inequalities for children & young people affected by acquired brain injury; and provide effective support to their families that makes a real difference to their lives.

Council for Disabled Children Community Funded Charity Excellence Lottery Funded Youth Foundation BBC CiN

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Despite being the biggest cause of death and disability in children and young people in the UK, acquired brain injuries are the most misunderstood, misdiagnosed and unsupported disability. These children are referred to inappropriate services that do not understand acquired brain injuries and do not support their ongoing recovery, leaving many unnecessarily disabled. Help us to make a difference to brain injured children, young people and their families, by donating to our charity. CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION

"Thousands of children and young people living in the UK today without the help and support that can make a huge difference to their lives"
Dalton Leong; Chief Executive of the Children's Trust
"Children and young people have poor social competence post brain injury due to reduced cognition, executive functions, and emotional control. As a result they are twice as likely to have mental health issues in the future"
James Tonks; University of London
"Taking brain injured children home causes high stress for families. Disjointed services exacerbate family stress levels."
Deborah Andrews; New Zealand
"Brain development is complex and prolonged. Brain plasticity is influenced by a range of factors. Plasticity provides a base for neuro-rehab therapies and treatment"
Professor Bryan Kolb; Canada
"Parent-supported interventions after paediatric ABI bring reductions to the cost to society"
Eric Hermans; Netherlands
"There are problems with getting people into neuro-rehab. Those most in need are often those most excluded due to a lack of socio-economic resources."
Vicki Anderson; Australia
Child 1 - Aged 14 and 3 years after a traumatic brain injury
2019 2020 Change
REASONING 301/800 426/800   +  125
MEMORY 181/800 304/800   +  123
ATTENTION 463/800 573/800   +  110
COORDINATION 47/800 309/800   +  262
PERCEPTION 158/800 374/800   +  216
"Different 'experts' involved in paediatric neuro-rehabilitation come from different organisational cultures which causes conflict and has a negative effect on the outcomes for the child."
Barbara O'Connell; Ireland
"Participation in teen sports and normal activities leads to improved quality of life for children and young people post brain injury and helps to maximise outcomes"
Claire Willis; Australia
"We would like to see earlier identification and support for children with brain injuries to help them succeed in school."
Dalton Leong; Chief Executive of the Children's Trust