Growing Minds: Real Lives and Expert Voices In Child Brain Injury

Growing Minds: Real Lives and Expert Voices In Child Brain Injury

by Brain Injury Group

Courses Alternative Health

Season 1

Transition from Child to Adult

Our COO, Clare Harrison, is joined by Heledd Wyn, Solicitor and Partner at Rothley Law, for a discussion focused on care, capacity and planning for the future. Together, they explore mental capacity, long-term care planning, and what can happen when a crisis arises, as well as the role of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). The conversation also highlights key considerations for families as a child grows older and transitions from childhood into legal adulthood. The episode outlines the protections that may be available, and the practical steps parents and families can take to ensure their child continues to receive the right support, care and safeguarding into adulthood.

An Introduction to Gympanzees

In episode 8 of Growing Minds, Kate Dixon, Young Person Specialist at the Brain Injury Group and Big Stepping Stones, is joined by Stephanie Wheen, CEO and Founder of Gympanzees. They discuss the vision behind the UK’s first fully inclusive exercise, play and leisure centre, the journey to making it a reality, and the fundraising efforts and challenges involved in bringing this groundbreaking therapy space to life. Tune in to learn how the centre—opening later this year—aims to transform opportunities for disabled children and young people across the UK.

Against the Odds: My Game

In this episode, Georgina Davies, Rehabilitation and Partnerships Lead at Brain Injury Group, is joined by Chloe Hughes, a National Cerebral Palsy footballer for Bristol City CP. Chloe talks about her love of football, competing at National CP League level while studying for her A levels, and how she adapts her training and performance while living with cerebral palsy. They tackle the challenges and misconceptions she’s faced, highlight the importance of accessibility and inclusion in the game, celebrate her achievements, and look ahead to her ambitions for the future.

Growing up with Cerebral Palsy: Then, now, and what comes next

In this episode, Kate Dixon, Welfare Benefits Advisor at the Brain Injury Group, is joined by Sara Edwards, a Cerebral Palsy Specialist at Scope. Sara shares both her lived and professional experience of living with cerebral palsy and supporting individuals with the condition, as well as how Scope advocates and supports young families affected by cerebral palsy from the earliest stage of their journey. Kate and Sara also discuss the value and benefits of Scope collaborating with the Brain Injury Group and Big Stepping Stones in the coming months.

EHCP or Transition to Adulthood/SEND Provision

In this episode, Clare Harrison (COO, Brain Injury Group) is joined by Laxmi Patel, Partner and Head of Education at Boyes Turner. EHCP or Transition to Adulthood and SEND Provision looks at how support for young people with SEND changes as they move into adulthood. In this episode we explain what an EHCP covers, what transition planning should involve, and how families can navigate education, health, and care support during this crucial stage.

Charity Partner Spotlight - The Eden Dora Trust

In this episode, we’re joined by the founder and CEO of The Eden Dora Trust to discuss how the charity began and its mission to support children with encephalitis and acquired brain injury (ABI). We explore what encephalitis is, the challenges families face after diagnosis, and how the Trust provides practical, emotional, and educational support through its SPEAK mission - Support, Provision, Education, Awareness, and Knowledge. We also touch on the need for faster diagnosis, better awareness in healthcare, and the wider impact on families, as well as the Trust’s vision for more understanding and joined-up support for every child and parent affected.

The Litigation Journey From a Family Perspective

Featuring Clare, Chief Operations Officer at the Brain Injury Group, and Helen O'Neill-Nash, Director of Billy's charity. This episode offers a powerful family perspective on the litigation journey. Through real experiences and compassionate discussion, it sheds a light on the emotional, practical and long-term effects of navigating the litigation journey after a birth injury, and how Billy's charity supports families through this process.

Birth and Beyond - Spotting The Early Signs

Featuring Emma Trudgill, Clinical Advisor for children at the Brain Injury Group. This episode explores the early signs to notice in both parents and infants during the perinatal period. Emma and Jacob share their clinical expertise, lived experience and compassionate advice designed to help families recognise needs early and access the right support. Contact Brain Injury Group if you want to speak to an advisor.

The Day My Life Changed Forever - Parenting a Child with a Brain Injury

In this episode, Clare Harrison (Chief Operations Officer of the Brain Injury Group) is joined by her long-time friend Kate Dixon (Children and Young Person Specialist at the Brain Injury Group). Kate shares both her personal and professional perspectives on the challenges — as well as the positive experiences — of parenting a child with a brain injury. Together, Kate and Clare also discuss how Big Stepping Stones was created to support families going through similar experiences.