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.


"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"Case management for children and young people post acquired brain injury is 'pivotal' to successful outcomes and must be local"
Deborah Andrews; New Zealand
"With support parents cope better so the child has a better recovery"
Andrea Palacio-Navarro; Spain
"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
"Families need to be properly supported as 'resilience' is key to delivering successful outcomes for children and young people."
Roberta De Pompeii; USA
"Rehabilitation interventions can lead to positive outcomes for children and their families if delivered in the familiar home environment and applied to everyday situations"
Cerebra; United Kingdom

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.

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