Equal Access to Brain Injury Rehabilitation: Our Support for UKABIF’s Campaign

As neurological physiotherapists working across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and South and West Yorkshire, we see first-hand the transformative power of high-quality rehabilitation after acquired brain injury (ABI). We also see the impact when it is unavailable or inadequately funded. That’s why we’re proud to support the United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum (UKABIF) in its campaign for equal access to brain injury rehabilitation, and why our Director, Susan Pattison, will be attending the UKABIF Summit 2026 on Monday 9 November.

The postcode lottery of brain injury care

Currently in the UK, access to specialist neurorehabilitation depends largely on where you live. That can determine whether someone receives life-changing therapy or is left to manage alone. UKABIF has long highlighted how much rehabilitation services vary from region to region, and its campaign for universal access calls for NHS rehabilitation to be available to everyone, wherever they live.

We believe this inequality is unacceptable. Appropriate rehabilitation can make the difference between dependency and independence, and between despair and hope.

Why equal access to brain injury rehabilitation matters

Through our home visits, we see the complex challenges that brain injury survivors face. Recovery isn’t just about physical rehabilitation. It also encompasses cognitive therapy, speech and language support, psychological intervention and occupational therapy. When these services are fragmented, underfunded or simply unavailable, the consequences ripple through entire families and communities.

Every brain injury survivor deserves access to specialist rehabilitation wherever they live. The evidence points to early, intensive and coordinated rehabilitation producing the best outcomes, yet our current system fails too many people who could benefit from expert help.

UKABIF’s work in Parliament

UKABIF provides the secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Acquired Brain Injury, which was re-established in 2025. The group exists so that people affected by brain injury and MPs can work together to improve services and support for survivors and their carers.

Among UKABIF’s key asks of MPs is that a full and ongoing programme of neurorehabilitation is available to everyone with an acquired brain injury. We believe rehabilitation should be a right, not a privilege.

Our professional perspective

As practitioners, we understand that rehabilitation is not a luxury but a necessity. We see how specialist neurological physiotherapy can help someone regain mobility, reduce pain, prevent secondary complications and rebuild confidence. We also see families supported to rebuild life together as their loved ones rediscover what they can do.

Supporting UKABIF’s campaign isn’t just about professional solidarity. It’s about fairness. Every person who sustains a brain injury should have the opportunity to achieve their maximum potential for recovery, wherever they live.

Joining the UKABIF Summit 2026

Susan will be attending the UKABIF Time for Change Summit 2026 on Monday 9 November at The Lowry, Salford Quays. If you will be there too, do come and say hello.

You can also read how Susan Pattison was honoured for her outstanding contributions to neurological rehabilitation.

A call for change

Change requires collective action. By supporting UKABIF, we’re adding our professional voices to a movement that calls for equal access to brain injury rehabilitation for everyone who needs it.

Learn more about UKABIF’s work and how you can support their campaign. To find out more about what we do, contact our team.

Reviews

"I personally think for a brain injury physio service that it’s spot on.

There’s a measured and sensible approach to client expectations and realistic goals. The physios including Rob Butterworth are happy to look at all avenues and are willing to listen to client, family and care/management input on what we all think might be the best plan for rehab, day to day life etc. this is then interpreted by the team & Rob and put into place effectively.

Punctuality and communication levels are high, effective and clear.

Professionalism is high and client focus has always been maintained. Alongside this the teams friendliness and confidence around family and home settings is reassuring."
George Jackson

"After being diagnosed with MND we felt a specialist physio would be of benefit to me. From the first visit Rob has been superb, the core warm up exercises make perfect sense, he listens and adapts them as required. He is also a super nice guy."
Steven Kendall

"I have been a patient of SP Therapy Services for over 15 years and have always found the team helpful, professional and punctual. I can't recommend them highly enough for home visits. Lucie is my new physio and she's excellent."
Peter Dawson

"The physio team at SP Therapy Services are life enhancers. Not only are they excellent professionals- true experts in what they do, but they are also advocates, champions, and guardians of wellbeing.
My physio Jane has been particularly supportive of me and has helped me understand my own body, improve my strength and instil confidence. Jane does everything she can to help me improve but is flexible to real life challenges.
Juggling work with my energy variation isn’t always straightforward but Jane adapts each session as needed. And I’ve found every team member are all very good and caring.
I doubted whether going back to physio would do any good- but SP teams are the best of the best and made me so grateful to have access to such excellence. Would highly recommend."
C D

"We have recently been instructing SP Therapy Service for our complex Neuro-Rehab medico-legal patients. I have found the service, communication and overall treatment(s) highly efficient and effective. Big thank you to Emma who has been very comprehensive and helpful with regular updates. I would certainly recommend SP Therapy for anyone looking for an professional rehab service provider. Keep up the good work."
Sarfraz Matak

"Jayne Halford is an exceptional physiotherapist. She is highly committed, professional, develops excellent therapeutic relationships with clients and a valued member of an MDT. She gets results and isn't afraid to stand up for patient rights. Love working with her!"
Christine Anderson

"We have used SP Therapy Services for around 6 years. They provide an excellent service. Our Physiotherapist, Jane has been an amazing support to our son with the various techniques she uses to encourage him to undertake his physio for his cerebral palsy. Following an operation last year, his programme was adapted accordingly and his mobility has improved. Jane has continued to look at different methods to keep him engaged with his exercises, using dance, darts, Nintendo switch which has kept him enthusiastic. We would be happy to recommend SP Therapy, they definitely provide an efficient, effective and reliable service."
Lynne Hush

"The team at SP Therapy Services are always professional and understand the need for client centred goals . It has been a pleasure to have Rebecca's support to enable one of her clients to connect with me and engage in Equine Facilitated learning sessions. Their support is much appreciated ."
Sarah Squires Grimbleby

"I was diagnosed with MS twenty years ago. Early on, I was advised 'physiotherapy will really help you'. Luckily, SP Therapy Services came to my rescue. They have never let me down, it has been easy to book appointments, and the quality of the sessions is excellent. Speaking to a professional who understands the condition, assess my needs, and comes up with a treatment plan for each appointment is priceless. Many, many thanks to Jane R, and the rest of the team."
Samantha Henthorn

"Susan Patterson at SP Therapy has supported Headway Salford for many years, and her dedication to the brain injury community is truly something special. She consistently goes above and beyond to make a difference for people living with brain injuries and the families supporting them.

Susan is the founder of the North West Brain Injury Forum, which has brought professionals and organisations together to improve support, understanding, and collaboration across the region. Her passion for raising awareness and improving services for those affected by brain injury shines through in everything she does.

Her commitment and hard work have rightly been recognised, including receiving the Headway Salford “Above and Beyond” Award. It’s a well-deserved honour for someone who gives so much of her time, knowledge, and compassion to others.

Susan is a true advocate for the brain injury community and a valued supporter of Headway Salford. People like Susan make a real difference, and the impact of her work continues to be felt by so many."
Sam Ashcroft

"SP Therapy Services have been a fantastic support to Headway Rotherham. Their visits to our group have made a real difference, especially through their engaging and accessible chair-based exercise sessions, which our members really enjoy and benefit from.

They are not only professional and knowledgeable, but also genuinely warm and encouraging, helping everyone feel comfortable and included. We are particularly grateful for their ongoing support in raising funds for our charity, which shows their commitment goes far beyond their sessions.

We highly value our partnership with SP Therapy Services and look forward to continuing to work together."
Sadie Bratt

"Very professional service and high quality of reports and communication to ensure best practice and outcomes for my clients."
Elaine O'Flaherty

"Excellent service! As always. I have worked with SP Therapy services now for close to 18 years and I rate them highly."
Linda Jooste

"I am delighted to endorse the team at SP Therapy Services. They consistently provide exceptional therapy and support their practice with sound, detailed documentation, which always arrives in a timely manner. The friendly clinicians are a credit to this fabulous company and it is evident that they always keep their patients at the centre of everything they do."
Janet Penny

"SP Therapy Services has supported Greater Manchester Spinal Injury Group for many years. Susan and Rebecca have demonstrated knowledge and skill and been adaptable to working in community settings. I would have no hesitation in recommending SP Therapy Services."
Greater Manchester Spinal Injury Group

"I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to Sue for everything she has done for our daughter who has FND.
Her patience, encouragement, and expertise have made such a difference, and we are truly grateful for the care that she has given to her ."
Julie Meara

"I referred one of my clients to SP Therapy Services for physiotherapy input. Jayne and the team have worked really hard to help my client meet and exceed their goals in a short period of time. They have provided regular updates and have been professional and empathetic at all times with my client and their family. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services."
Grace Heppinstall

"Jayne was fantastic. Took time to understand my Mums aims after falling and breaking her hip. Thoroughly tested her current abilities before encouraging her to walk just using one stick which is amazing just 7 weeks from her fall. Detailed excercises given to continued progressing before agreeing a way forward with the aim of getting my Mum back to where she was before the fall"
Mark Wilcockson

"I suffered a Brain injury last year and Jayne has been helping me with my recovery. Not only is she helping me physically she is really helping me rebuild my confidence.
Very professional but understanding and has a vast amount of experience in the neurological recovery"
Vikki Grosse