• About Us
  • Quick Contact Form
  • Brain Injury Training Webinars
  • Training Events
Brain Injury Group logo
Brain Injury Group logo
Brain Injury Group logo

Call our FREE helpline 0800 612 9660 or 0330 311 2541

We are a network of specialist brain injury solicitors and other professional services, providing a complete package of support for brain injured people and their families

  • Home
  • About brain injury
    • Types of brain injury
    • Child brain injury
    • Education following a brain injury
    • Mental capacity following brain injury
    • Rehabilitation following brain injury
    • Useful brain injury glossaries
  • How we can help
    • Brain Injury Claims
    • Clinical negligence
    • Assault – Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
    • Continuing Healthcare Funding
    • Court of Protection
    • Special Educational Needs (SEN)
    • Emotional support
    • Employment law
    • Family law
    • Financial advice
    • Welfare benefits
  • Find a Solicitor
    • Brain Injury solicitors
    • Find a Court of Protection specialist
    • Education solicitors
    • Employment law solicitors
    • Other legal services
  • Contact Us
    • Quick Contact Form
    • Need Legal Assistance?
    • Want Welfare Benefits Advice
  • Services A-Z
    • Personal legal services
    • Brain injury expert reports
    • Case managers
    • Care in the home
    • Residential rehabilitation & care
    • Charities & support groups
    • Therapies
    • Business services
    • Holidays, travel & leisure
    • Work & education
  • Latest News
  • For Professionals
    • Associate members
    • Brain injury training for professionals
    • Upcoming Brain Injury Group training events
    • Recorded Brain injury training webinars
    • Other member services
    • Join the Group
    • Events Calendar
    • Road Safety Week
  • Brain injury – the facts
    • Assessing brain injuries
    • Brain injury fast facts
    • Symptoms & effects of brain and head injuries
    • Minor head injuries & subtle brain damage
  • Supporting people with brain injury
    • Impact on daily life
    • Support groups & charities for brain injuries
  • Supporting brain injury carers
    • Making decisions for other people
    • Mental capacity & the Court of Protection
    • Emotional support – How we can help
  • Getting practical help
    • Rehabilitation for brain injuries
    • Welfare benefits for brain injuries
  • Get free welfare advice
  • Get free legal advice
  • Children with brain injury
    • Education following a brain injury
    • Symptoms & treatment options
    • Impact on the family group
    • Find an Education specialist solicitor
    • Find an SEN applications & appeals specialist
  • Cerebral palsy
    • Cerebral Palsy | a journey for life conference
  • Useful brain injury glossaries
    • Glossary of clinical terms
    • Glossary of legal terms
    • Glossary of health and other care professionals
    • Glossary of legal and other professionals

Home > Living with Brain Injury > Cerebral palsy > Cerebral Palsy | a journey for life conference

Cerebral Palsy | a journey for life conference

Further information

  • Download the conference guide here

We were delighted to host our first national conference on the subject of cerebral palsy in July 2015, welcoming over 150 delegates, speakers and exhibitors to The Grange St Paul’s in central London.

The programme was designed to appeal to health and social care professionals as well as legal and welfare professionals concerned with supporting people with cerebral palsy, and our speaker panel included highly regarded experts from health, from education and from the law.

Our focus was very much on what can be achieved by people living with cerebral palsy with the right support in place.
This video provides a snapshot of the event:

Speakers at Cerebral Palsy | a journey for life

The speaker panel included acknowledged experts in their respective fields, but the biggest stars of the day were undoubtedly the people living with the condition who reinforced the positive messages presented by the medics and educators about ability rather than disability, and spoke from the heart about their very personal experiences.

Tegan’s story – My life with Cerebral Palsy

Sylvia Vincent spoke about her family’s experience when her daughter was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. A bright 14-year old, Tegan then introduced an animated film created to explain to her school mates about her ‘differences’; Tegan refers to herself being ‘diff(erently)-abled’ and not disabled.

Francesca Martinez – What the **** is normal?

Francesca Martinez brought the cerebral palsy conference to a closeFrancesca Martinez urged delegates at the cerebral palsy conference to be amazing!Comedian, actress and author Francesca Martinez rounded off the day in great style describing her own experiences of growing up with cerebral palsy. Francesca describes herself as ‘wobbly’ and has long railed against the concept of ‘normal’ for several reasons including:

Who’s to say what normal is anyway?

Why strive for normal when you can go for extraordinary?

Need free help or advice?

We can help you

Some photos from Cerebral Palsy | a journey for life

Our panel of experts

Every case of cerebral palsy is as unique as the child it affects. The ultimate impact depends on the type and timing of the injury on the developing brain, and the subsequent support received. Because of the breadth of the subject, as well as plenary sessions for the entire audience, we also presented streams of presentations looking specifically at birth and babies, and at children and young adults.

Andrew Hannam is a partner with Foot Anstey LLP specialising in clinical negligence and mental capacity cases. He has a particular interest in brain injury and cerebral palsy claims. He worked with Sylvia Vincent to secure financial compensation to fund home adaptations and other support for Tegan.

Amanda Jane Richardson joined PACE, a charity and non-maintained special school for children with motor disorders and related learning challenges, in 1995, becoming Head Teacher in 2002 and Chief executive in 2012. She also chairs Action Cerebral Palsy, a consortium of specialist providers for children with cerebral palsy and was closely involved in a parliamentary inquiry into cerebral palsy launched in May 2014. The report, published in January 2015, shows that earlier diagnosis and intervention can improve potential and reduces dependence on the State.

Dr Dawn Benson is a sociologist and senior lecturer at Northumbria University. She spoke about why parents pursue litigation on behalf of their avoidably injured children, relationships and interactions amongst families and with services which both enable and disable inclusion.

Gerard Martin is a QC with Exchange Chambers who has specialised for many years in cases involving severe brain injuries in both adults and children resulting from accidents or clinical negligence. He is particularly concerned to involve clients that may lack capacity in decisions that affect them.

Denise Chaffer is the Director of Safety & Learning at the NHS Litigation Authority and a registered nurse and midwife. She presented data relating to maternity claims and the development of the NHSLA safety and learning function to improve safety, reduce harm, and reduce claims.

Mr Nigel Simpson is a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and a senior lecturer at the University of Leeds. He spoke a about reducing the risk of cerebral palsy and the prevention of brain injuries during birth.

Professor James Walker is Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Leeds with 35 years’ experience. His particular interest is in the effective working of maternity care teams to ensure the best outcome.

Paul Butler is a Consultant Neurologist with vast experience in magnetic resonance imaging. He looked at the ability for MRI to identify perinatal problems years after birth.

Lindsey Hardy is an occupational therapist and clinical lead at PACE Early Years Service and has more than 30 years’ experience of working in child health. She described how PIPS (PACE Infant & Parent Service) early intervention service enables families to give their children the best start in life.

Dr Sophie Gosling is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and clinical lead at Recolo UK Limited. She has over 20 years’ clinical experience working with children and considered growing up with cerebral palsy from a psychological and family perspective.

Judith James is Associate Director at The Percy Hedley Foundation, a charity which aims to promote achievement for all disabled people. Judith talked about adopting an integrated approach to ensure excellence in education. Judith also advises on integrating children with cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury into mainstream schools.

David Barker MBE is the Chief Operating Officer at The Percy Hedley Foundation. He looked at disability and employability, specifically key issues in the recruitment and retention of disabled people and overcoming barriers to work.

Dr Vijay Palanivel is a Consultant in Paediatric Neurodisability at The Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury. He considered the best available intervention evidence for children with cerebral palsy.

Lee Ryan is a welfare benefits expert with leading independent financial adviser, Nestor. He spoke about how to maximise welfare benefit income for both children and young adults affected by cerebral palsy.

The whole event was chaired by James Drife, Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Leeds. He is also President of Baby Lifeline, the mother and baby charity that was our charity partner on the day.

Helping you

  • Learn more about brain injury

    Information and support on the different types and severities of brain injury as well as continuing education, employment and rehabilitation.

    Getting the right support

  • Brain injury services directory

    The BIG brain injury services directory contains details on brain injury specialist services and support, including therapists, charities, rehabilitation and brain injury solicitors.

    Expert specialised support

  • Legal and professional service providers

    We expect a lot of our members; time and again they demonstrate their dedication to achieving the best outcome for brain injured people. It’s an elite group that we’re proud of.

    Setting the standard

Latest news from The Brain Injury Group

A child playing in a high-chair illustrating the case study of Child F and non-accidental criminal injuries

Criminal injuries compensation claim for non-accidental injury – Child F case study

We were instructed to act on behalf of child F, through his carers and Special Guardians. Child F had sustained a severe traumatic brain injury as a result of non-accidental injuries caused by his natural…
Read More

Help after an assault – Jim’s story

Jim (names have been changed to protect identity) was the victim of an unprovoked assault. He was punched, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on a hard object. He sustained a traumatic…
Read More

A question of capacity – what happens if someone regains mental capacity?

In this article, Elizabeth Metcalfe from Brain Injury Group member and specialist Court of Protection & Deputyship services law firm Hyphen Law, outlines what happens when someone regains the mental capacity needed to manage their…
Read More

Find a Service

A-Z listings by category

From expert legal advice to holidays, home insurance, therapies and aids, the BIG Directory will help you find the services you need.

Upcoming Events

View all events

  1. Webinar: Finding the right brain injury case manager: More than clinical experience

    Tuesday, 21st June @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
  2. Brain Injury Rehabilitation – Supporting your client to achieve best outcomes – Milton Keynes – 28th June 2022

    Tuesday, 28th June @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  3. Webinar: Vocational Rehabilitation and ABI: Knowing when the time is right

    Tuesday, 13th September @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
  4. Webinar: Does the client lack capacity?

    Tuesday, 27th September @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

View All Events

Choosing the right legal adviser

Find out more

A brain injury can change a person’s life significantly – and that of their family. Many injuries are unfortunately the responsibility of a third party, in which case there may be the potential to make a claim for compensation. A successful claim could go a long way towards supporting a rehabilitation programme, or providing long term care, or simply easing the financial burden caused by changed circumstances.

If you think you have a claim, speak to several lawyers and ask lots of questions before you instruct anyone; you need to find someone you can relate to. When you speak to any one of our network members, you can be confident that they have a track record of handling brain injury cases and appreciate all the complexities.

Brain Injury Group
Brain Injury Group @braininjurygrp
5 hours ago
The BIG Brain Injury Services Directory has the answers for people affected by brain injury, providing a comprehensive A-Z listing of services and support for people with a brain injury, their families, and people who work with them.
https://t.co/CEUgOanlZp
View on Twitter
0
1
Brain Injury Group
Brain Injury Group @braininjurygrp
1 day ago
If you are considering putting a power of attorney in place, or have a relative who lacks capacity due to illness or accident, join us on 23 June at 12 noon for our session on powers of attorney and best interest decisions with @freeths

Sign up now https://t.co/ZREnq9u6Ep https://t.co/Y7D03yihA8
View on Twitter
1
2
Brain Injury Group
Brain Injury Group @braininjurygrp
1 day ago
We've just added another new webinar to our programme 5/7 at 12 noon - Putting the 'fundamental' into fundamental dishonesty. Sign up now to join us and @No5Chambers. https://t.co/w2BqWAT8Jy - free for members, fee applies to non members. APIL accreditation applied for. https://t.co/pQ8r3uCiM3
View on Twitter
0
0
Brain Injury Group
Brain Injury Group @braininjurygrp
1 day ago
If there is one way to brighten our Monday morning, its to receive a batch of branded goodies! Thank you @PremexGroup for your support professionally, and personally. https://t.co/nRbuQvQXI0
View on Twitter
0
0
Brain Injury Group
Brain Injury Group @braininjurygrp
1 day ago
How the Brain Handles Modern Life | Psychology Today https://t.co/KBuohayOwb
View on Twitter
2
3
Brain Injury Group
Brain Injury Group @braininjurygrp
4 days ago
After a brain injury, help and support may be needed from others to manage your day to day needs - a package of care may be needed or you may need to live in a specialist setting. We can help you navigate continuing healthcare funding. https://t.co/PK1xVd625w
View on Twitter
1
0
Brain Injury Group logo
Facebook logo Linkedin logo Twitter logo

Newsletter Sign up

  1. Sign up to a Brain Injury Group brain injury newsletter

Marketing & Website Development by Limare website development and marketing

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Cookies Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap

© 2022 Brain Injury Group is the trading style of The BIG Network Limited.

The BIG Network Limited is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.


Registered in England & Wales. Registration Number: 06977925.
Registered Office: 106 Kennedy Building, Murray Street, Manchester M4 6HS Tel: 0800 612 9660

We use cookies to improve your experience on the website. We do not use cookies for advertising purposes.
We will assume you're ok with this and this bar will disappear shortly. Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Necessary Always Enabled