Preston brain injury charity needed now more than ever

Local brain injury charity Headway Preston and Chorley is needed now more than ever according to the results of a survey published by Headway UK.

The survey, which explored the impact of COVID-19 on people affected by brain injury, found that more than half of brain injury survivors have lost access to rehabilitation services as a result of lockdown and are finding isolation very difficult.

Early rehabilitation following brain injury can be crucial in helping survivors to regain a degree of independence and relearn lost skills, including walking and talking. But 57% of those who sustained their injuries within the past two years say their access to rehabilitation and community groups has been negatively impacted.

A further 64% of those living with the long-term effects of brain injury reported a deterioration in their mental health as a result of the measures implemented to control the spread of COVID-19, while almost two thirds say they now fear for their futures.

The key findings revealed:

· 57% of people who sustained a brain injury within the past two years reported that their rehabilitation has been negatively impacted

· Two thirds of respondents reported a negative impact on their psychological wellbeing

· 62% of respondents fear for their future

· 50% have lost access to vital support that helps them to cope

· 42% say their rehabilitation has been negatively impacted

See attached press release for more information.