Hull-based charity P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery is celebrating 10 years of supporting people affected by Acquired Brain Injury in the Humber region to rediscover their potential.
The charity was founded by Paul Spence in 2016, four years after he survived a life-changing traumatic brain injury as a result of an unprovoked assault. Today, it regularly welcomes more than 300 people each month to its base in the Wilberforce Health Building, where they can access specialist support, guidance and education to aid their recovery journey.
Over the last decade, the charity’s services have grown from providing small, informal group sessions, to now offering a wide range of support including weekly social and recreational sessions, day trips, yoga and gym classes, an allotment, talks and presentations, and advocacy services. The charity also supports family members and loved ones of people living with Acquired Brain Injury through peer groups and educational activities.
Acquired Brain Injury includes traumatic brain injuries from physical impact to the head, as well as non-traumatic injuries such as strokes, tumours, and meningitis.
This momentous anniversary comes immediately off the back of another major milestone in the charity’s journey last year, when it expanded its support to people living in North and North East Lincolnshire – offering monthly social sessions in Grimsby and Scunthorpe.
Paul Spence, Founder and CEO, said: “I’m immensely proud of how far the charity has come over the last 10 years, and I feel honoured to be able to celebrate a decade of making a difference with the incredible community we’ve built throughout that time.
From starting the charity in my back room during the early stages of my own recovery, to having an amazing team of staff, Trustees, Ambassadors and volunteers who are providing a safe place where people can access Positivity, Awareness, Understanding and Love, every day – it’s a privilege to be able to recognise and celebrate this significant moment in our history. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the next 10 years and beyond.”
The charity has also developed partnerships with major local businesses and organisations, to raise awareness of brain health and support a more seamless pathway for brain injury survivors.
Its support is commissioned by the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, and it delivers its services as part of this NHS community contract with City Health Care Partnership CIC (CHCP).
Together with the University of Hull, the charity has also developed a Brain Health Board resource to promote understanding of brain health and wellbeing within educational settings across the region.
Service Delivery Manager, Nathalie Martin, said: “Since I joined the team almost eight years ago, it’s been humbling to watch our community grow into the thriving support network it is today, for so many local people and families.
“Our services and activities empower people affected by ABI to make recovery count, and we’re proud to have developed into an integral part of the care pathway over the last 10 years – providing a vital bridge between hospital discharge, and a better life after brain injury.”
The charity is marking the occasion with two special Anniversary celebrations, for its community members and also for professional partners and associates.
Details about the charity’s support services can be found on their website, www.paulforbrainrecovery.co.uk