Government confirms plans for ABI strategy

There are over a million people in the UK who are affected by acquired brain injury (ABI).

The impact of acquired brain injury can be lifelong, complex and multi-faceted. Access to support in the UK has been a ‘post code lottery’ and oftentimes there is little understanding of how an ABI can impact a person’s life outside of specialist services.

Chris Bryant MP championed the ABI Bill which focused on developing a national strategy that links all key services within the UK (local authorities, NHS, Department for Education, Ministry of Defence, Prison Service, Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport). This bill was due to be heard in parliament on 3rd December 2021; however last week on 2nd December 2021, the Government released a statement (see link below) declaring that a cross-Government strategy for ABI will be developed.

Whilst we are in the early stages of this strategy, what we know so far is that:

• there will be a call for evidence to inform the strategy which will launch in early 2022
• the development of the strategy will be overseen by a dedicated programme board co-chaired by Gillian Keegan MP and Chris Bryant MP.

Having a dedicated ABI strategy will help to bring further awareness and improve the service provision for those affected by ABI.

Link to statement made by Gillian Keegan MP on 2nd December 2021: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2021-12-02/hcws438