Practical Support

The journey towards neurological recovery and the rehabilitation process is often a lengthy and erratic one. No two journeys are the same. Often the process involves a mix of small improvements, significant advances, stalling (plateau-ing) and/or backward steps; which for the family can be difficult to deal with. When combined with the emotional trauma you have already faced, this can cause a huge ripple effect across the family unit. For example you may find you are unable to offer other siblings the help and support that they need; or you may find it difficult to keep up with the housework.

Whilst other family members may help out in the beginning, there often comes a point when this has to end. This often has a negative impact on the psychological and emotional well- being of both parents and other family members. In turn this can affect normal household routines and it can become easy to ‘let things slip’; which then further exacerbates family pressures and stress.

At MATRIX we aim to support families and minimise family stress and tensions. Our volunteer scheme will therefore offer practical help and support around the home to help you keep on top of other day-to-day tasks, should you feel this is necessary. Speak to your family support team to discuss any further needs you may have and how we can help.

"Intensive and individualized approaches work. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't. You have to make it relevant to the child."

Recolo; United Kingdom

"Healthy teens are better at identifying strategies to deal with barriers. KIDS WITH ABI'S CAN'T!"

Shari Wade; USA

"NHS clinicians struggle with what intervention to prioritise in paediatric neuro-rehabilitation due to limited clinical time and the complexity of needs. Children, clinicians, parents and schools all have different neuro-rehabilitation priorities"

Recolo; United Kingdom

"When someone has a brain injury, early access to local, specialist rehabilitation is crucial to ensure the maximum recovery and make significant savings to the state in health costs"

Headway; United Kingdom

I was very impressed with the results you have had with the young people you have worked with.

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 need to harness the power of brain plasticity for treating children and young people with brain injury, especially at the key ages of 0-3 and at ages 10-16"

Professor Bryan Kolb; Canada

"My colleague was blown away by the tremendous work your organisation is doing for society." Social Worker

"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 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

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.