Breaking New Ground: Free Professional Development for Support Workers

We are thrilled to announce a landmark event for the brain injury support sector: the Support Worker Conference 2026. This is the first conference designed exclusively for support workers in acquired brain injury support across the Northwest.

We are proud to announce Hudgell Solicitors as the Main Event sponsor for the Support Worker Conference 2026. Their support highlights a shared commitment to recognising the vital work of support workers across the Northwest.

Neuro Rehab Nutrition joins us as the Buffet sponsor for the Support Worker Conference 2026. We’re thrilled to have their support in helping us create an enjoyable dining experience for all attendees.

We’re also excited to announce Millercare as the Tote Bag sponsor for the Support Worker Conference 2026. Their support reflects a strong commitment to the brain injury community and helps us create a welcoming environment for all attendees.

The event takes place on Thursday 8th October 2026 at the prestigious AJ Bell Stadium in Salford, Manchester. It addresses a long-standing need in our sector: accessible professional development for the support workers who form the backbone of brain injury rehabilitation.

The best part? Attendance is completely free for support worker delegates. This has been made possible through sponsorship from Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) members who recognise the invaluable contribution support workers make every day.

Why This Conference Matters for Brain Injury Support Workers

Addressing the Support Worker Crisis

The brain injury support sector is facing significant challenges. The 2022 report “The Perfect Storm” by the British Association of Brain Injury Case Managers (BABICM) highlighted the urgent need for increased investment in training and support. This investment is essential for building a skilled and stable workforce.

As Susan Pattison of SP Therapy Services explains:

“As members of Multi-Disciplinary Teams, we understand the unique contribution provided by Support Workers in delivering therapy programmes and recognise there is a significant shortage of experienced staff, and recruitment and retention is a national problem.”

Daniel Bamber of Prestige Nursing & Care adds:

“We identified that whilst we live in a rich sector of opportunities to attend networking events and conferences, these opportunities don’t often extend to support workers. The aim of this unique conference is to speak directly to Support Workers and make them feel valued by creating an event of their own where we as MDT members can show our appreciation.”

Event Details: Support Worker Conference 2026

Date: Thursday 8th October 2026
Venue: AJ Bell Stadium, Eccles, Salford, M30 7EY
Cost for Support Workers: FREE (sponsored places)

Who Should Attend?

Support workers in acquired brain injury support
Service providers of community-based activities for brain-injured adults
MDT members who support the conference vision

The AJ Bell Stadium provides excellent accessibility and outstanding facilities for delegates from across Greater Manchester and the Northwest.

Celebrating 20 Years of the NWABI Network

This conference also marks the 20th anniversary of the Northwest Acquired Brain Injury (NWABI) Network. The network is a not-for-profit organisation established to support private, public, and voluntary services across the Northwest community.

Instead of hosting a traditional anniversary celebration, the organising team opted to create something truly impactful for the sector.

A Collaborative Approach to Professional Development

This unprecedented event is the result of collaboration between leading organisations in the brain injury care sector:

SP Therapy Services – specialist neurorehabilitation physiotherapy provider
Prestige Nursing & Care – quality nursing and care services
Heads Up Therapies – innovative OT brain injury rehabilitation
Headway Salford & North Manchester – vital local support charity

Ryan Price of Heads Up Therapies highlights the innovative nature of this initiative:

“We believe this has not been done before. We have been working in collaboration with Headway Salford & North Manchester to make this happen and we are now at the stage where we can release details and request support with sponsorship packages.”

Sponsorship Opportunities: Invest in the Future of Brain Injury Support

This is a not-for-profit conference. All proceeds will be donated to Headway Salford & North Manchester to support their vital community work.

We are seeking sponsors who believe in developing the brain injury care workforce and who want to show their appreciation for support workers.

Main Event Sponsor –

Thank you Hudgell Solicitors

Buffet Sponsor –

Thank you Neuro Rehab Nutrition

Tote Bag Sponsor –

Thank you Millercare

Delegate Sponsor – £75 per delegate

Sponsor from one place to entire tables.
Includes:

Business name on place settings
Social media recognition
Direct appreciation from delegates

Exhibition Stand – £75

Includes:

1 delegate place
Access to conference, refreshments, and lunch
Direct engagement with support workers and potential clients

Special requirement: exhibition stand holders must donate 1 free taster day experience for 2 people. These will be given as prize draw rewards for support workers to bring their clients to.

The Vision: Valuing Support Workers in Brain Injury

The Support Worker Conference 2026 represents a major shift in professional development within the brain injury support sector. By ensuring free access through MDT sponsorship, we are sending a clear message: support workers are valued members of the rehabilitation team.

The event will provide:

Professional recognition
Networking opportunities
Best practice learning
Community building across the Northwest

How to Get Involved

For Support Workers

Registration details will be released soon. To register your interest, please contact us using the information below. Places will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

For Potential Sponsors

If you wish to support this unique event, please get in touch.

Contact: Kat at Headway Salford & North Manchester
Email: kat@headwaysalford.co.uk

Your sponsorship will support both the conference and Headway Salford & North Manchester, helping them continue their essential work.

About the Organisers

SP Therapy Services

A specialist neurorehabilitation physiotherapy provider committed to high-quality, evidence-based physiotherapy for people with acquired brain injuries.

Prestige Nursing & Care Manchester

Prestige Nursing & Care provides personalised home care services across Greater Manchester and has been rated Good by the CQC.

Heads Up Therapies

A private Occupational Therapy company specialising in acquired brain injury rehabilitation across the Northwest.

The NWABI Network

Established in 2006, the Northwest Acquired Brain Injury Network brings together professionals across the sector twice a year. Attendance is free, supporting accessible professional collaboration.

Stay Updated

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPTherapySvcs
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sp-therapyservices/?viewAsMember=true
Newsletter: https://www.sptherapyservices.co.uk/news/
Email: info@sptherapyservices.co.uk

Hashtags:
#SupportWorkers2026 #BrainInjurySupport #NWABINetwork

Our thanks go to Hudgell Solicitors, Main Event Sponsor of the 2026 Support Worker Conference, and Millercare for generously sponsoring the buffet.

We are grateful for their partnership and their belief in the value of this first-of-its-kind event.

Key Takeaways

First-ever conference dedicated to support workers in brain injury care
Free attendance through MDT sponsorship
8 October 2026 at AJ Bell Stadium
Sponsorship packages from £75–£1,800
All proceeds donated to Headway Salford & North Manchester
Celebrates 20 years of the NWABI Network

This is more than a conference – it is a movement to recognise, value, and invest in support workers across the Northwest.

Reviews

Marie Oxtoby

I am the Chair/Co-ordinator of Bolton Neuro Voices, a small local charity. I first contacted SP Therapy Services in 2012 when I was looking for a neuro physiotherapist to help us pilot a new Hydrotheraoy Course for people with long-term neurological conditions. Since then Susan Pattison and her staff have helped us to deliver ten courses to a total of more than 200 people and to facilitate the progress of many on to ongoing Continuation Programmes. Her expertise and willingness to listen and respond to our needs and those of our very varied participants is hugely appreciated and our partnership has gone from strength to strength. I unreservedly recommend this practice.

Amanda Knight

Andy provided a very thorough and considered physiotherapy assessment of a client with complex needs. His report was to a very high standard and underpinned all immediate and long term therapy needs. Thank you!

Elaine O'Flaherty

Very professional service and high quality of reports and communication to ensure best practice and outcomes for my clients.

Suzanne

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

Janet Penny

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.