Brain Injury Charity Partnerships

At SP Therapy Services, our brain injury charity partnerships play a vital role in how we support people beyond physiotherapy. As community-based neurological physiotherapists working across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Yorkshire, we know recovery after brain injury is not limited to clinical sessions alone. Instead, through strong brain injury partnerships with local charities and community groups, we help patients access wider emotional, social, and practical support that promotes long-term wellbeing.

Brain Injury Charity Partnerships That Go Beyond Healthcare

Being active community partners means recognising that recovery after brain injury is complex. While physiotherapy supports physical rehabilitation, emotional strength and social connection are just as important. Therefore, a wider support network is essential.

For this reason, we have developed long-standing brain injury partnerships with our local Headway charities:

Together, these organisations offer something that cannot be delivered in a clinical setting alone. Specifically, they provide shared understanding, peer motivation, and meaningful social interaction. As a result, individuals are better supported to manage the isolation that can follow brain injury.

A Holistic Approach Through Brain Injury Charity Partnerships

Our role extends far beyond simply signposting patients to support groups. Instead, through our brain injury partnerships, we remain actively involved in fundraising, professional collaboration, and community engagement.

For example, we provide professional input when required and involve Headway members in our annual Coast to Coast exercise challenge and networking events. Consequently, we are not just addressing physical symptoms. Rather, we are supporting whole-person recovery within a strong community framework.

When we work with someone in their home, we also think ahead. In addition to rehabilitation, we consider confidence, social reconnection, and community inclusion. Ultimately, this approach helps individuals feel supported well beyond therapy sessions.

The Power of Peer Support Within Brain Injury Partnerships

Peer support plays a unique and powerful role in recovery. While healthcare professionals offer clinical expertise, lived experience brings reassurance and hope. As a result, peer-led support can feel more relatable and sustainable.

Through our brain injury partnerships, patients gain access to both professional guidance and peer connection. In turn, this combination supports long-term progress, motivation, and emotional wellbeing.

Collaborating Through Brain Injury Partnerships to Make a Difference

Collaboration remains central to our work. In 2025, our combined efforts raised £2,958.00 for local Headway groups. Importantly, this brings our overall fundraising total to £20,000.

These funds have been shared between:

Headway Stockport
Headway Salford
Headway Huddersfield
Headway Rotherham

As a result, these charities can continue delivering vital services for people living with brain injury.

Our Brain Injury Partnership Events

Northwest Acquired Brain Injury Network (NWABIN)

The Northwest Acquired Brain Injury Network (NWABIN) was established by SP Therapy Services in 2021. Its aim is to bring together professionals and volunteers working within the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) community across the North West.

With support from co-sponsors Prestige Nursing and Heads Up Therapies, this brain injury partnership network promotes collaboration and shared learning. Furthermore, it helps strengthen relationships across the sector.

NWABIN is a not-for-profit organisation that meets twice a year. In addition, it raises vital funds and awareness for Headway Salford and Headway Stockport, both of whom provide essential local support.

Funds raised in 2025: £1,824.00

Read more about how we made a difference in 2025:
https://www.sptherapyservices.co.uk/nwabi-network-meeting-21st-november-2025/

Yorkshire Brain Injury Partnerships: YABIN

The Yorkshire Acquired Brain Injury Network (YABIN) was established in 2023. Its purpose is to strengthen brain injury partnerships across Yorkshire.

Supported by Rehabilitate Therapy LTD and Social Return, YABIN follows the successful NWABIN model. As a result, it brings together professionals, volunteers, and community organisations in a collaborative environment.

YABIN is also a not-for-profit organisation. It convenes annually and raises funds for Headway Rotherham and Headway Huddersfield, who support individuals living with acquired brain injury across Yorkshire.

Funds raised in 2025: £450.00

Read more about how we made a difference in 2025:
https://www.sptherapyservices.co.uk/yabin-25th-april-2025/

Coast 2 Coast: A Brain Injury Partnership Challenge

Established in 2022, the Coast 2 Coast challenge takes place every September. It also forms a key part of our wider brain injury partnerships.

Each year, participants collectively aim to travel 192 miles, which equals over 440,000 steps. However, the challenge is completed entirely virtually.

Patients, Headway groups, referrers, and the wider community all take part. They can walk, wheel, swim, dance, cycle, or garden. Then, all activity is converted into steps and added to the shared total.

Why Coast 2 Coast Matters

Motivating recovery: Participants set goals and celebrate progress
Raising awareness: The challenge highlights life after brain injury
Supporting charities: Funds are shared equally between local Headway groups

Funds raised in 2025: £684.00

Over 20 Years of Commitment to Brain Injury Partnerships

Susan Pattison, founder of SP Therapy Services, has championed community engagement for over 20 years. Throughout this time, partnership working has remained central to the organisation’s values.

In recognition of this commitment, Susan received an award from Headway Salford in 2025 for her outstanding contribution.

https://www.sptherapyservices.co.uk/neurological-physiotherapist-susan-pattison-honoured/

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Brain Injury Partnerships in 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, we are planning an exciting new collaboration. Alongside our established events, we aim to deliver what we believe will be the first-ever Support Worker Conference.

Our goal is to provide 200 free delegate places, funded by the wider MDT. In doing so, we hope to strengthen learning, collaboration, and connection across brain injury partnerships.

For more information and sponsorship opportunities:
https://www.sptherapyservices.co.uk/support-worker-conference-2026/

Get in Touch

At SP Therapy Services, brain injury partnerships sit at the heart of everything we do. If you would like to learn more about our neurological physiotherapy services or our community work, we would be delighted to hear from you

Click here to contact us or 📞 0161 764 3799

About the author
Emma Hayden is the Communications Coordinator and first point of contact at SP Therapy Services.

Reviews

"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

"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

"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