The Stephen McAleese Award for Inspiration is now open for nominations. The award will recognise an individual for their inspirational work in the field of Acquired Brain Injury. If you know someone who makes an award-worthy contribution to the field of acquired brain injury please make a nomination. Anyone can make a nomination - there is a short, simple form to complete here: ukabif.org.uk/page/Stephen-M… which asks you to give their name, details and state why you think they deserve to win an award. The deadline for nominations is 31st August 2026. #UKABIF #UKABIFAwards2026 #nominate

⭐️⭐️DATE FOR YOUR DIARY⭐️⭐️ When:23rd - 24th June 2026 Where: Chobham Golf Club, Chobham Road Knaphill, Woking, Surrey GU21 2TZ Contact: viji@hoperehab.co.uk Hope Rehab Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation and Care at Home: Conference 2026 Recent advances in the assessment, diagnosis and management of people with severe brain injuries and a Disorder of Consciousness. National and international experts will be presenting latest research and developments in this topic. The conference programme also includes series of short ‘recent research’ presentations, ‘complex case study’ presentations and panel discussions on pressing topics over the two days. Contact viji@hoperehab.co.uk to register interest or for an application form. For more information and updates please visit: hoperehab.co.uk/conferences-… #ABI #Conference

⭐️⭐️DATE FOR YOUR DIARY⭐️⭐️ Twilight Talk: Back to School After Brain Injury: Learning, Listening, Supporting When:16th June 2026 Time: 4pm Where:Online This three-part webinar series is designed to support educators in understanding and responding to the needs of pupils with acquired brain injury (ABI). Bringing together foundational knowledge, lived experience, and practical strategies, the series explores the impact of ABI on learning, wellbeing, and school life. It offers insights and guidance to help education professionals support pupils’ successful return to school and ongoing participation in the classroom. Session 1 - Understanding Acquired Brain Injury: A guide for educators 16th June 2026 Speakers: Dr Emily Bennett and Dr Gemma Costello This session introduces acquired brain injury (ABI), exploring its impact on learning, behaviour, and wellbeing in the classroom, and highlighting ways educators can support pupils returning to school. Session 2 - Listening to Student Voices: Lived Experiences of School After ABI 23rd June 2026 Session led by Young Experts with Experience of Acquired Brain Injury (YEBEABI) In this session, young people with lived experience of ABI share their school journeys, offering honest reflections and practical advice for educators. Covering themes including fatigue, friendships, classroom support, and assessments, this session provides valuable insight into how schools can support pupils with ABI. Session 3 - Making It Work: Practical Strategies from Education Professionals 30th June 2026 Speaker: Joanna Woodhouse A practical session led by education professionals, offering strategies to support pupils with ABI in school, including classroom support, and meeting evolving needs. Visit nasen.org.uk/events/twilight… for more information. #Events #ABI

UKABIF were delighted to be invited to exhibit at Cygnet’s Neuropsychiatry Conference in Birmingham yesterday. The programme covered a range of subjects, including the over ruling of the Cheshire West case and a session from UKABIF’s trustee Mike Dilley on pathways for TBI, FND and mental health. The highlight of the day was a presentation from Laura who has also recorded a video about her experiences here Inkd.in/erpYPcxT Cygnet are one of our strategic partners and we were delighted that they organised a raffle which raised £350 for UKABIF. It was fantastic to meet so many new contacts and reacquaint with colleagues. #CygnetNeuropsychiatryConference2026

Clare Harrison, COO of The Brain Injury Group, shares her thoughts on the organisation’s Strategic Partnership with UKABIF and the opportunities it creates to drive meaningful change for people affected by acquired brain injury. “The Brain Injury Group are proud to become Strategic Partners of UKABIF, the work they do to support those individuals and families who have had their lives impacted by a brain injury is hugely important. We look forward to supporting them to deliver change through the development and publication of the ABI Action Plan, through their research projects and ensuring access to rehabilitation, support and holistic services for all families.” To find out more about @thebraininjurygroup, please visit their website: braininjurygroup.co.uk #UKABIF #StrategicPartner #ABI #StrongerTogether

🔦 IRWIN MITCHELL LLP 🔦 A few words from Lynne Carrick-Leary, Senior Business Development Manager – Senior Associate, @irwinmitchell LLP regarding the importance of our strategic partnership. “Partnering with UKABIF strengthens both our strategic reach, collective insight, and ability to drive positive, measurable impact across the acquired brain injury sector. Never has it been more important to work collaboratively to support the campaigning and strategic priorities that UKABIF tirelessly advances on behalf of everyone affected by acquired brain injury.” To find out more about Irwin Mitchell, please visit their website: irwinmitchell.com/ #UKABIF #IrwinMitchell #StrategicPartnership #ABI

🔦 CYGNET HEALTH CARE 🔦 A few words from Rachael Chamberlain, Business Development Director, Cygnet Health Care: “Cygnet Health Care are delighted to be renewing their strategic partnership with UKABIF. This partnership strengthens our ability to connect specialist Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation with national strategies and leadership within the sector. It helps Cygnet Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation combine clinical expertise with sector-wide insight, supporting the development of more responsive, sustainable pathways. By working closely with UKABIF, Cygnet can better align services, amplify lived experience, raise standards and ensure better outcomes are achieved across the whole pathway. Together we have a real opportunity to make a lasting difference for individuals, families and professionals across the sector.” To find out more about @CygnetGroup Cygnet Health Care, please visit their website: cygnetgroup.com/ #UKABIF #StratgicPartner #ABI #partnership

UKABIF is pleased to announce The Strategic Partnership Programme, bringing together trusted organisations with a shared commitment to improving outcomes for people affected by acquired brain injury. #UKABIF #StrategicPartners #Partnerships #ABI

UKABIF is pleased to announce The Strategic Partnership Programme, bringing together trusted organisations with a shared commitment to improving outcomes for people affected by acquired brain injury. The Strategic Partnership Programme enables organisations to work closely with UKABIF throughout the year, supporting public affairs activity and holding a key sponsorship position at the flagship UKABIF Summit. These partnerships help strengthen collaboration across the sector and support coordinated, impactful progress. UKABIF works closely with Government and Parliament, academics, charities, medical, legal and social care professionals, alongside those with lived experience of brain injury. We are delighted to recognise our Strategic Partners and their continued commitment to driving meaningful change across the sector. #UKABIF #StrategicPartners #Partnerships #ABI

Thank you BABICM for inviting us to be one of the charity exhibitors at the Annual Conference in Birmingham yesterday. We had a fabulous day chatting to delegates and exhibitors about UKABIF’s work and attending the fantastic programme of talks. #UKABIF #ABI #BABICM #AnnualConference

If you’re attending - we look forward to seeing you tomorrow! #ukabif #BABICM #Conference2026 #ABI

⭐️⭐️TICKETS SELLING OUT FAST!⭐️⭐️ Early Bird & Member Discount is still available for a limited time only! Secure your ticket now so you don’t miss out! Book Now: ukabif.org.uk/events/registe… #UKABIF #UKABIF2026Summit #ABI #AcquiredBrainInjury

Come and meet the UKABIF membership team at the BABICM conference on 2nd June 2026. Chloë Hayward and Lisa Cooper will be there on Day One and have a stand in the conference registration area. They would love to meet you and chat about membership opportunities and how you can get more involved with UKABIF – see you there! #UKABIF #BABICM #Conference2026

“Imagine for one moment waking up tomorrow and realising from the minute you open your eyes that no one speaks to you. Not a solitary word. No messages. No phone calls. No emails. Not a single conversation.” This is the reality for many brain injury survivors. The work, hobbies and routines that once held friendships together can fall away. Plans get cancelled, messages go unanswered and, slowly, isolation settles in. Often unnoticed. Often unseen. But Headway sees you - they understand you and they are there to support you. Visit their website to find out more about their campaign and also the services they offer: headway.org.uk #ABIWeek #AcquiredBrainInjury #WeSeeYou

Parliamentarians, campaigners and charities meet at the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Acquired Brain Injury on Tuesday 19th May. The group’s Annual General Meeting saw the re-election of Sir John Hayes as the group's Chair and @Baroness Morris of Yardley, Andy McDonald MP and Ian Byrne MP as Vice Chairs of the group. Jennifer Misak, Health Economist gave an update on the progress of the ABI Action Plan. Under the leadership of the Department of Health and Social Care, Jennifer has engaged with a range of government departments and stakeholder groups and produced a draft document with a series of action points each with specific ownership and milestones. These focus on improved data, increased awareness and training and improved access to neurorehabilitation and support. The Action Plan will be circulated to government departments for their amendments and approval, and it is hoped that a final version will be published at the end of June. Colin Morris of Headway - the brain injury association gave an overview of the charity's #ActionForABIWeek campaign which focuses on isolation and loneliness of both brain injury survivors and their carers. It was very moving to hear from representatives from Headway Meirionnydd who spoke of their lived experience and the life line which their local Headway services provide. Our thanks to Liz Twist, MP for chairing the meeting and to Daisy Cooper Tanni Grey-Thompson Liz Saville Roberts Charlotte Cane Andy McDonald MP Jess Assato Alex Mayer James Wild and Martin Rhodes and Adam Small for attending. Andrew Bateman Alyson Norman Brainkind The Silverlining Brain Injury Charity Laween Saadi The British Psychological Society Annmarie Burns

@dralynorman2, Vice Chair of UKABIF talks more about isolation and acquired brain injury. #ABI #AcquiredBrainInjury #Isolation #UKABIF

Isolation after brain injury can be devastating. Plans get cancelled, messages go unanswered, invitations stop coming and, slowly, isolation settles in. Often unnoticed. Often unseen. Often lonely. Please have a look at @headway_uk ‘s website for help, advice and resources. You are not alone. #Headway #ABIWeek #Isolation #Help

The theme of this years Action For Brain Injury week is isolation. Our trustee, Sam Shepherd talks about the importance of having support whether that’s a person, group, or online support. Read more about @headway_uk ‘s campaign here: headway.org.uk/news-and-camp… #ABI #WeSeeYou #AcquiredBrainInjury #UKABIF

In January 2026, @headway_uk launched a survey into the levels of isolation following a brain injury to help shape the core of this campaign. The results are striking, with 87% of brain injury survivors and 85% of carers feeling lonely - despite not feeling lonely before the injury. Explore the full survey results here: headway.org.uk/news-and-camp… #Headway #ABI #BrainInjury #Loneliness