Headway UK Calls for Urgent Action on Brain Injury Funding

Folllowing on from Headway UK's powerful new report, When Funding Fails, spotlighting the urgent need for improved support and sustainable funding for people living with acquired brain injury (ABI). The report was unveiled by Headway UK’s Chief Executive, Luke Griggs, at a well-attended parliamentary reception hosted by Sir John Hayes MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Acquired Brain Injury.

The event brought together local Headway charities, NHS professionals, campaigners, and parliamentarians, all united by a shared goal: improving outcomes for brain injury survivors and their families.

Luke Griggs used the opportunity to speak candidly about the pressures faced by local community brain injury services—including delays in assessments, chronic underfunding, and a widespread lack of understanding among health and social care commissioners.“The current system is failing too many people,” said Luke. “We need urgent action from government to address these longstanding issues before more lives are affected.”

The True Cost of Brain Injury

The event also featured the launch of a new report by Dr Alyson Norman and Dr Hope Kent, which estimates the economic cost of brain injury to the UK at a staggering—but conservative—£43 billion. This figure reflects not just the cost of healthcare, but also the long-term social, economic, and emotional impact on individuals and families.

Powerful personal testimony was shared by four young people supported by N-ABLES—a group committed to improving awareness of brain injury within the education system. Their stories brought home the everyday realities of living with an invisible injury and the urgent need for more joined-up, compassionate support.

ABI Strategy Progress

Sir John Hayes MP also provided an encouraging update on the government’s long-awaited ABI Strategy—now referred to as the ABI Action Plan. Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton MP, will meet with the APPG in September to discuss progress.

In a recent letter to Sir John, the Minister confirmed that the government intends to develop an Acquired Brain Injury Action or Delivery Plan, with contributions from NHS England and other departments. The ABI Plan is expected to be published in autumn 2025 and will sit alongside the broader 10-Year Health Plan.

Upcoming Parliamentary Debate – We Need Your Help

In further positive news, the APPG has secured a 90-minute backbench debate on brain injury in Parliament—anticipated to take place in September 2025. These debates offer a vital opportunity to raise awareness at national level and hold decision-makers accountable.

Headway Kent will be writing to local MPs to urge them to attend the debate and speak on behalf of brain injury survivors in our communities. We encourage our supporters to do the same—we’ll be sharing a template letter soon to make this easy.

If you’d like to help Headway Kent raise awareness of the challenges faced by people living with acquired brain injury, please get in touch, keep an eye on these pages for more news and follow us on facebook. Together, we can push for the change that’s so desperately needed.