1.4 million people are living with Acquired Brain Injury in the UK at a cost to the economy of around £15 billion a year. This is a hidden epidemic and affects everyone up and down the country, everywhere. This is why on 3 December the Commons will debate the Acquired Brain Injury Bill, presented on a cross-party basis by Chris Bryant MP.
The Bill is calling for a comprehensive strategy to be implemented in order to meet the needs of adults and children with an acquired brain injury to be published no later than April 2023.
It is not before time. In 2008, legislation was brought in to address the support needed for those people with autism in the UK. What is needed now is the same for those with acquired brain injury. A strategy is needed so that every department of government can work together in collaboration to improve the provision of services for acquired brain injury and to give people back their quality of life.
We see the effects on individuals and families who suffer the consequences of acquired brain injury and whilst there will inevitably be a debate about funding and resources, especially at this unprecedented time, the real issue is one of strategy. This is what is being called for and we, like many organisations, support it wholeheartedly.
