Our Founder is awarded a High Sheriff of County Durham Award

April 12th, 2026

We are incredibly proud to share that our Founder and CEO, Jan Rock, has been awarded a High Sheriff of County Durham Award.

This prestigious honour recognises Jan’s unwavering dedication to supporting children, young people, and their families affected by acquired brain injury, and the life-changing impact of the work delivered by Matrix Neurological Recovery.

At an exclusive, invitation-only event later this month, Jan will receive the award from the High Sheriff of Durham, Dr Arnab Basu; MBE, DL

The celebration will be held at Matrix Neurological Recovery, alongside the children and young people we support, and the key professionals who support the charity’s work with families in our local community.

We invite you to learn more about our work and the families we support by exploring our website.

This is a truly special and well-deserved achievement – congratulations, Jan.


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
"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
"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
"Our 10 year study proves that family-led home-based neuro-rehab interventions deliver the best outcomes for children and young people"
Lucia Braga; Brazil
"Strength-based family intervention after pediatric ABI is essential. Parents need to be equipped with the skills to cope and advocate for the child."
Caron Gan; Canada
This is the best support plan we have ever seen that will deliver the best outcomes for this young person.  The costings are 'spot on' and realistic'.  Direct Payments Team.  
"Positive and coordinated neuro-rehab interventions for children and young people is proven to bring health improvements; improve independence; reduces the need for sheltered living; decreases vulnerability; decreases drop-out rates in schools; decreases youth offending"
Eric Hermans; Netherlands
"We are impressed with the progress you have made with the individual we referred to you."  Social Worker    
"Case management for children and young people post acquired brain injury is 'pivotal' to successful outcomes and must be local"
Deborah Andrews; New Zealand
"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

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