SP Therapy Services continues to lead the way in community-based neurological physiotherapy across the North of England. This month, founder Susan Pattison was honoured for her outstanding contribution to neurological rehabilitation, supporting individuals with acquired brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), and other neurological conditions.
Last Thursday, SP Therapy Services joined the celebration at the Headway Salford, Trafford & North Manchester annual event—an uplifting gathering filled with stories of strength, collaboration, and a few surprises.
One of those surprises? Susan Pattison, specialist neurological physiotherapist and founder of SP Therapy Services, received a Certificate of Appreciation for her exceptional and longstanding contributions to Headway Salford and the wider neurological physiotherapy community.
And what a legacy it is.
Nearly 20 Years of Leadership: The NWABI Network
Susan was recognised for founding and leading the Northwest Acquired Brain Injury (NWABI) Network, a project she began nearly two decades ago to bring together professionals, service users, and families living with acquired brain injuries.
Since its launch, NWABI has raised over £12,000, with approximately £6,000 going directly to Headway Salford to support individuals living with acquired brain injuries. But the network is about more than just fundraising. It’s about collaboration, inclusion, and empowerment.
Headway members are actively involved in NWABI events, taking on roles, sharing their voices, and participating in meaningful ways. It’s a model that bridges the gap between professionals and people with lived experience—creating a more inclusive, engaged, and human-centred ABI community.
Movement That Matters: #SPTSC2C
Alongside the NWABI Network, Susan and her neuro physio team lead the annual Coast2Coast Challenge (#SPTSC2C)—a virtual movement and fundraising campaign that unites the entire neurological rehabilitation community across the North.
The challenge encourages functional movement and brings the SP Therapy Services team of specialist neurological physiotherapists into Headway groups like Salford, delivering accessible, fun movement sessions tailored to the unique needs of participants.
Funds raised are shared between Headway Salford, Stockport, Huddersfield, and Rotherham, making a lasting impact across Greater Manchester and Yorkshire.
Interested in joining the next SPTSC2C ? Contact: Emma.Hayden@sptherapyservices.co.uk
Trailblazing Home-based Rehabilitation: A Community Approach to Neurological Physiotherapy
Susan Pattison has dedicated her career to transforming how neurological physiotherapy services are delivered across Bury, Blackburn, Stalybridge, Bradford, Huddersfield, Holmfirth, Barnsley and beyond.
Recognising that true independence happens not in clinics, but in real life, Susan pioneered an innovative, community-based model of rehabilitation.
Through SP Therapy Services, Susan has led a team of specialist neurological physiotherapists providing physiotherapy services directly into people’s homes, schools and communities across Bury, Blackburn, Stalybridge, Bradford, Holmfirth, Barnsley and beyond.
This personalised, goal-oriented, and accessible approach empowers individuals recovering from acquired brain injury, stroke, or MS to regain movement, rebuild confidence, and re-engage with daily life.
Through SP Therapy Services, the NWABI Network, and the #SPTSC2C challenge, Susan continues to challenge outdated rehabilitation models and prove that the future of neurological physiotherapy is inclusive, person-centred, and community-based.
Driving National Change in Neurorehabilitation
Driving National Change in Neurorehabilitation
In addition to her leadership in the North of England, Sue has also influenced national neurological rehabilitation policy.
In 2019, she co-led a successful motion at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s Annual Representative Conference to endorse the Time for Change report, published by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Acquired Brain Injury (APPG) and supported by UKABIF.
The motion called for improved access to neurological rehabilitation and reaffirmed the vital role of neurological physiotherapy throughout the brain injury pathway. It also recommended a high-profile campaign and an online training package to equip physiotherapists across sectors with the skills needed to complete the Rehabilitation Prescription.
Celebrating a True Neurological Rehabilitation Champion
At SP Therapy Services, we’re incredibly proud to see Susan’s work recognised in such a meaningful way. Her leadership has shaped not only the profession but countless lives.
“When you bring the right people together, with the right intent—change happens. That’s why we do what we do,” says Susan.
Finally, a huge congratulations, Sue—your recognition from Headway Salford is so richly deserved.
Discover Specialist Neurological Physiotherapy Services in Your Area
To learn more about how SP Therapy Services delivers specialist neurological physiotherapy services across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Yorkshire, contact us today.