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Crawley, Horsham, Chichester, Worthing & Mid Sussex Transport - Community Transport Sussex

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Reducing social isolation across the county with transport for those who have difficulty accessing the mainstream transport network.

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Brain Injury Identity Card | Headway

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Headway Emergency Fund | Headway

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SIA Member, Sally Jones

On New Year's Day in 2020, I sustained a spinal cord injury in a horrific motorcycle accident. I was left in a coma and extremely lucky to be alive. When I woke up, I was told the extent of my injuries and that I would never walk again.

During my rehabilitation, I met one of SIA's support network manager's, Gary. He had also sustained a spinal cord injury in a motorcycle accident, and it was so helpful to talk to someone who could relate to what I was going through and offer advice, based on his lived experience.

To try and address my pressure ulcer issue, I contacted SIA to ask for support from their SCI clinical specialist team. I was put in touch with Damian. He was so knowledgeable. He talked me through the different steps I could take to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers and together we drafted an Emergency Care Plan.

The support of people like Gary and Damian has enabled me to adjust to all the changes of life after injury. With their support, I get to do more of the things that I love, like spending time with my family, and getting to be me again."

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We are the expert, guiding voice for life after spinal cord injury - SIA

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On New Year's Day in 2020, I sustained a spinal cord injury in a horrific motorcycle accident. I was left in a coma and extremely lucky to be alive. When I woke up, I was told the extent of my injuries and that I would never walk again.

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Back Up is a UK charity, dedicated to supporting people affected by spinal cord injury get the most out of life.

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The Eatwell Guide shows how much of what we eat overall should come from each food group to achieve a healthy, balanced diet.
You do not need to achieve this balance with every meal, but try to get the balance right over a day or even a week.

Most of us still are not eating enough fruit and vegetables. They should make up just over a third of the food we eat each day.

Aim to eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and veg each day. Choose from fresh, frozen, tinned, dried or juiced.

Remember that fruit juice and smoothies should be limited to no more than a combined total of 150ml a day.

Fruit and vegetables are a good source of vitamins, minerals and fibre.
Find out more about how to get your 5 A Day

Starchy food should make up just over a third of the food we eat. Choose higher fibre or wholegrain varieties, such as wholewheat pasta and brown rice, or simply leave the skins on potatoes.

There are also higher fibre versions of white bread and pasta.

Starchy foods are a good source of energy and the main source of a range of nutrients in our diet.
Find out more about starchy foods

These foods are good sources of protein, vitamins and minerals. Pulses, such as beans, peas and lentils, are good alternatives to meat because they're low in fat and they're a good source of fibre and protein, too.

Choose lean cuts of meat and mince, and eat less red and processed meat like bacon, ham and sausages.

Aim for at least 2 portions (2 x 140g) of fish every week, 1 of which should be oily, such as salmon, sardines or mackerel.

Find out about fish and meat.

Milk, cheese, yoghurt and fromage frais are good sources of protein and some vitamins, and they're also an important source of calcium, which helps keep our bones healthy.

Try to go for lower-fat and lower-sugar products where possible, like semi-skimmed, skimmed or 1% fat milk, reduced-fat cheese or plain low-fat yoghurt.
Find out more about milk and dairy foods

Unsaturated fats are healthier fats and include vegetable, rapeseed, olive and sunflower oils.

Remember all types of fat are high in energy and should be eaten in small amounts.
Find out more about the different types of fat in our diet

These foods include chocolate, cakes, biscuits, sugary soft drinks, butter, ghee and ice cream.

They're not needed in our diet, so should be eaten less often and in smaller amounts.
Get tips on cutting down on sugar

Water, lower-fat milks, lower-sugar or sugar-free drinks and tea and coffee all count.

Fruit juice and smoothies also count towards your fluid consumption, but they contain free sugars that can damage teeth, so limit these drinks to a combined total of 150ml a day.
Find out more about water, drinks and your health

How does the Eatwell Guide work?

The Eatwell Guide divides the foods and drinks we consume into 5 main food groups.

Try to choose a variety of different foods from each of the groups to help you get the wide range of nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.

It's important to get some fat in your diet, but foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar have been placed outside of the main Eatwell Guide as they're not necessary as part of a healthy, balanced diet and most of us need to cut down on these.

Unsaturated fats from plant sources (for example, vegetable oil or olive oil) are healthier types of fat.

But all types of fat are high in energy (calories), so they should only be eaten in small amounts.

On average, women should have around 2,000 calories a day (8,400 kilojoules) and men should have around 2,500 calories a day (10,500 kilojoules). We all need different amounts of energy (or calories) from food to be a healthy weight. How much you need depends on lots of things, including how active you are.

Find out how food labels can help you choose between foods and pick those lower in fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt.

Combination foods

Many foods, such as pizzas, casseroles, pasta dishes and sandwiches, are combinations of the food groups in the Eatwell Guide.

With these meals, check the ingredients and think about how these fit with the sections on the guide to help you achieve a balanced diet.

Does the Eatwell Guide apply to everyone?

The Eatwell Guide applies to most of us, whether we're a healthy weight or overweight, whether we eat meat or are vegetarian, and no matter what our ethnic origin.

Anyone with special dietary requirements or medical needs might want to check with a registered dietitian on how to adapt the Eatwell Guide to meet their individual needs.

Children under the age of 2

The Eatwell Guide does not apply to children under the age of 2 because they have different nutritional needs.

Between the ages of 2 and 5, children should gradually move to eating the same foods as the rest of the family in the proportions shown in the Eatwell Guide.

Read more about babies, toddlers and young children's nutritional needs in Your baby's first solid foods.

Download the Eatwell Guide booklet

For more information, including details of which foods are included in the food groups, download GOV.UK's The Eatwell Guide.

Healthy eating support

Food and diet advice on the NHS website includes:

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Read about the interactive Eatwell Guide, which shows how much of what we eat overall should come from each food group to achieve a healthy, balanced diet.

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Volunteer with us

Over 16,000 highly trained volunteers support the delivery of our service. Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and find volunteering rewarding, challenging and fun. We have a range of roles in local Citizens Advice and Witness Service, want to find out more?

Our volunteer opportunities

Find your local Citizens Advice

For more information and advice

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Online free advice from Citizens Advice to help you find a way forward, whatever the problem. Our research enables us to campaign on issues affecting people's lives.

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This page has information for people who want to manage someone else's affairs. It also has information if you want someone else to manage your affairs for you.

Managing someone else's affairs can mean a number of things, including:

You might want to manage someone else's affairs because they:

are ill or disabled, either temporarily or on a long-term basis

are out of the country for a while

are unable to make decisions for themselves, because of mental illness or other reasons

Table of contents

Different ways of managing someone's affairs

There are different ways of managing someone's affairs. Choosing the right one will depend mainly on the circumstances of the person whose affairs you want to manage, and whether or not they have mental capacity - see under heading When does someone lack mental capacity? You can look after someone's affairs in one of the following ways:

with a letter or a third party mandate to deal with a bank, building society or other financial account - see Bank and building society accounts

as an agent or appointee to deal with someone's welfare benefits or tax credits - see Welfare benefits and tax credits

with a power of attorney. There are different types of power of attorney - see Power of attorney

as a deputy appointed by the Court of Protection - see under Who can make decisions when someone loses mental capacity and there's no power of attorney

Bank and building society accounts

If all you need is for someone to be able, temporarily, to operate a bank account for you, you can just write to your bank. Many banks have their own form, called a form for third party mandate, which they will ask you to complete and return to them.

However, if you need someone to be able to operate more than one account for you, or you need someone to manage your financial affairs on a more long-term basis, you might want to think about making a power of attorney - see under power of attorney.

Welfare benefits and tax credits

If you are unable to collect your benefits or tax credits for any reason, you might want someone else to collect them for you.

If the benefits or tax credits are paid into a bank or building society account, contact the bank or building society to arrange for someone else to collect them. You might have to fill out a third party mandate - see Bank and building society accounts above.

If the money is paid into a post office card account and needs to be regularly collected by someone else, contact the post office and ask about arranging for someone else to collect it. Someone who regularly collects benefit for someone else is often called an agent.

If your benefits or tax credits are normally paid by cheque, you can fill in the back of the cheque to allow someone else to cash it for you. If you want someone to cash a benefit or tax credits cheque for you on a regular basis, you should contact the office that deals with your benefits or tax credits payments to let them know.

You might need someone to deal with all aspects of your benefits or tax credits case, not just collecting payments. This could involve doing things such as:

filling in claim forms

answering queries and letters

informing benefit or tax credit offices about any changes of circumstances

If this is the case, you can ask for someone else, usually a relative but sometimes a friend or neighbour, to be made your appointee. You should contact the office which deals with your benefits or tax credits. You will need to fill in an application form, and someone will arrange to visit you and the person you want to act on your behalf.

You can also arrange for someone to deal with your benefits or tax credits case by giving them power of attorney.

Power of attorney

When someone makes a power of attorney, they appoint someone else to act on their behalf. The person making the power of attorney is called a donor and the person appointed to act on their behalf is called an attorney.

A power of attorney gives the attorney the legal authority to deal with third parties such as banks or the local council.

Some types of power of attorney also give the attorney the legal power to make a decision on behalf of someone else such as where they should live or whether they should see a doctor.

In order to make a power of attorney, you must be capable of making decisions for yourself. This is called having mental capacity - see under heading When does someone lack mental capacity?

There are three types of power of attorney. These are:

Ordinary power of attorney

If you want someone to look after your financial affairs for a temporary period, you can give them an ordinary power of attorney. You might want to give someone an ordinary power of attorney if:

you have a physical illness

you have an accident which leads to physical injury

you are abroad for a long period of time

You should not use an ordinary power of attorney if:

you have been diagnosed with a mental health problem or other disease which can lead to mental incapacity

you think you may develop a mental health problem or other disease which can lead to mental incapacity

This is because you won't be able to continue using an ordinary power of attorney if you lose your mental capacity.

You can make a lasting power of attorney (LPA) in case you lose your mental capacity.

For more information about LPAs, see Lasting power of attorney.

For more information about mental capacity, see When does someone lack mental capacity?

How to grant an ordinary power of attorney

You can give someone power of attorney to deal with all your financial affairs or only certain matters, for example to buy and sell property or change investments. An ordinary power of attorney which only gives authority to deal with certain matters is also known as a limited power of attorney. If you want to make a limited power of attorney you should make sure that it is drawn up very carefully so that the attorney is very clear about what authority they have to deal with your affairs.

There is a standard form of words to use if you want to grant an ordinary power of attorney. If you want to grant an ordinary power of attorney, you should contact a solicitor or an adviser, for example, at your local Citizens Advice. You can search for your nearest Citizens Advice.

Lasting power of attorney

If you want someone to look after your affairs for a long period of time, you can give them a lasting power of attorney (LPA). An LPA is different from an ordinary power of attorney because:

you can make an LPA which looks after your health and care decisions and one to look after your property and financial affairs

an LPA must be registered before it can be used

an LPA lets you choose people to look after your affairs if you lose mental capacity

The LPA replaces the enduring power of attorney (EPA) - see under heading Enduring power of attorney.

When to make a lasting power of attorney

Anyone can make an LPA in case they ever lose mental capacity.

You should also make an LPA if you have been diagnosed with, or think you might develop, an illness which might prevent you from making decisions for yourself at some time in the future.

The kinds of illness which might prevent you from making decisions for yourself include:

You must make an LPA whilst you are still capable of making decisions for yourself. This is called having mental capacity - see under heading When does someone lack mental capacity?

If you want to look after the affairs of someone who has already lost their mental capacity and does not already have either a registered LPA or an EPA, see under heading Who can make decisions when someone loses mental capacity and there's no power of attorney?

Types of lasting power of attorney

There are two types of LPA:

property and financial affairs LPA

health and welfare LPA

You don't have to make both types of LPA at the same time.

Property and financial affairs lasting power of attorney

A property and financial affairs LPA can give someone the authority to deal with and make decisions about things like:

You can give someone power of attorney to deal with all your property and financial affairs or only certain things, for example, to operate a bank account, to buy and sell property or change investments. If you want to make an LPA which only deals with certain matters, you should make sure that it is drawn up very carefully so that the attorney is very clear about what authority they have to deal with your affairs.

A property and financial affairs LPA must be registered before it can be used. However, you don't have to wait until someone loses their mental capacity before using it. A property and financial affairs LPA will come into effect as soon as it is registered. This means that the attorney will be able to start making decisions about your property and financial affairs straight away, even if you are still capable of making your own decisions. If you don't want the attorney to be able to make decisions about your affairs straight away, you should make sure that the LPA says this.

The LPA must always include authority for the attorney to make decisions once the donor has lost their mental capacity.

Health and welfare lasting power of attorney

An LPA about health and welfare can give someone authority to deal with and make decisions about things like:

where you live

your day-to-day care, including what you wear and what you eat

your healthcare treatment

what contact, if any, you should have with certain other people

You can make a health and welfare LPA which deals with all aspects of your personal welfare, or only certain things.

It's not possible to use a health and welfare LPA until the person who made it has lost their mental capacity. The LPA must be registered before it can be used.

Make a lasting power of attorney

You must make an LPA whilst you're still able to make decisions for yourself. You should choose the person who you want to look after your affairs very carefully. The person you choose to look after your affairs is called an attorney. See under heading General rules about power of attorney for more information about this.

There are two ways you can make an LPA. You can:

There is one form for a property and affairs LPA and a different form for a health and welfare LPA. If you want someone to look after your financial affairs and your health and welfare, you will need to make two separate LPAs and fill in both forms.

There are notes which come with the forms which tell you exactly what to do. You should read these very carefully.

Register a lasting power of attorney

Once you've filled in these forms, you will need to register the LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian. If you're the donor and you still have mental capacity, you can apply to register the LPA yourself. The person named as your attorney can also apply to register the LPA. They can do this at any time, whether you have lost mental capacity or not.

When you make an LPA, you can request that certain people should be notified when the LPA is registered. This helps to protect you against fraud and being pressurised into making the LPA. You should use form LP3 to notify the people named in your LPA, before you apply to register it.

To register the LPA, you should fill out form LP2. Send this to the Office of the Public Guardian along with your LPA form and the registration fee. If you make both types of LPA, you will need to pay two lots of fees. Some people don't have to pay any registration fees. You can find out how much an LPA costs on GOV.UK.

If the LPA has been correctly completed and there are no objections to the registration after people have been notified, the Public Guardian must register it. They must do this after three weeks. The Public Guardian must notify the donor and any attorneys that they have registered the LPA.

End a lasting power of attorney

There are a number of ways to bring an LPA to an end. These include:

the person who made the LPA (the donor) can cancel it if they still have mental capacity - details of how to end a lasting power of attorney are available on GOV.UK

the attorney can say they no longer want to be an attorney - they must do this on form LPA 005 which is sent to the donor, the Office of the Public Guardian, and any other attorneys.

An LPA will also come to an end when the donor dies. A property and financial affairs LPA will come to an end if either the donor or an attorney becomes bankrupt.

Enduring power of attorney

What is an enduring power of attorney

Before 1 October 2007, it was possible to make an enduring power of attorney (EPA) to manage someone's property or financial affairs. An EPA could be used before someone lost their mental capacity or after they lost their mental capacity once the EPA had been registered.

It is no longer possible to make a new EPA. However, if an EPA was made before 1 October 2007, it can still be registered and, if it is already registered, it will still be valid.

If you want to manage the affairs of someone who you think might lose their mental capacity and you don't already have an EPA, a lasting power of attorney should be used.

Even if you already have an EPA, it can only be used to look after someone's property and financial affairs, not their personal welfare. If you want power of attorney to look after someone's personal welfare, you may be able to take out a personal welfare lasting power of attorney.

For information about lasting power of attorney, see under heading Lasting power of attorney. For information about mental capacity, see under heading When does someone lack mental capacity?

Registering an enduring power of attorney

To continue using an EPA after someone has lost their mental capacity, the EPA must first be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. The EPA must be registered by the person who will be managing someone else's affairs (the attorney). Before you register the EPA, you must notify certain people that you are going to register it. This is done on a form which you must send to all the following people:

the person whose affairs you are going to manage (the donor)

any other attorneys if there are more than one

at least three of the donor's nearest relatives.

Once you have given this notice, you can apply to register the EPA on form EP2PG to the Office of the Public Guardian. There is a registration fee, although some people won't have to pay it. You can find out the latest information about fees from the Ministry of Justice website at www.justice.gov.uk.

How to end an enduring power of attorney

There are a number of ways to bring an EPA to an end. These include:

the donor can cancel it. They can only do this if they still have mental capacity

an attorney can say they no longer want to be an attorney

with a court order

the Court of Protection can end an EPA if they think an attorney abused their position or if they think a donor made the EPA because of fraud or excessive pressure

Can I change an enduring power of attorney to a lasting power of attorney?

If you have made an EPA but want to have an LPA instead, you can do this. If the EPA is not registered, you can just destroy it. You can then complete an LPA form and apply for this to be registered - see under Lasting power of attorney. Unlike an EPA, an LPA is not valid unless it has been registered.

Alternatively, you could keep your EPA but make and register an LPA to deal with your personal welfare in case you lose your mental capacity. EPAs can't be used to look after someone's personal welfare.

General rules about power of attorney

There are some general rules which apply to all the different types of power of attorney, including Ordinary power of attorney, Lasting power of attorney and Enduring power of attorney.

Who can make a power of attorney

The person making a power of attorney is called a donor. In order to make a power of attorney, you must be capable of making decisions for yourself. This is called having mental capacity - see under heading, When does someone lack mental capacity? You can only make a power of attorney which allows someone else to do things that you have a right to do yourself.

No one else can make a power of attorney for you. You can instruct a solicitor to draft a power of attorney for you, but the solicitor should only accept instructions or authorisation from you, whether in person or in writing. They should not accept instructions or authorisation from anyone else, including the person who is to become your attorney.

Who can be an attorney

The person appointed to act on behalf of the donor is called an attorney. Anyone can be an attorney, as long as:

they are capable of making decisions, and

they are 18 or over

In some cases, someone who is bankrupt can't be an attorney. If an attorney becomes bankrupt, power of attorney may be taken away.

Solicitors and trust corporations such as banks can act as an attorney. Professional attorneys can charge for their services. If your attorney is a friend or relative, they can get back out-of-pocket expenses, but they can only get paid for carrying out their duties if the donor has agreed to this on the LPA form.

Can there be more than one attorney

A donor can appoint more than one attorney. This can work in one of two ways:

Attorneys appointed to act together (also known as joint attorneys) - this means they must always act together. The advantage of this arrangement is that it makes it harder for an attorney to commit fraud or do something against the interests of the donor. The disadvantage, is that the whole power of attorney comes to an end if one attorney dies or becomes mentally incapable.

Attorneys appointed to act together and independently (also known as joint and several attorneys) When attorneys are appointed in this way, it means that the signature or action of one attorney is as valid as if they were the only attorney. It also means that the power of attorney will continue in force if anything happens to one of the attorneys.

Responsibilities of an attorney

When you are appointed as an attorney, you are placed in a position of trust and you must always act in the best interests of the donor.

You can only do the things the donor has authorised you to do. You can't ask anyone else to carry out any of your duties, unless the donor has authorised you to do so.

You must keep separate up-to-date accounts of the donor's financial affairs. When you are acting on the donor's behalf and have to sign any documents, you should sign your usual signature and add, beneath the signature, the words Attorney for ... (donor's name).

If you're acting under a lasting power of attorney, there are rules about how to make a decision for a donor who has lost their mental capacity. You can find a guide to being an attorney on GOV.UK.

When does someone lack mental capacity?

It's important to know whether someone has the mental capacity to make a decision. This could affect the options you have for dealing with their affairs, such as whether it's still possible to make a lasting power of attorney (LPA)- see under heading Lasting power of attorney.

You also need to know whether someone still has mental capacity to help you work out when to register a personal welfare LPA or an enduring power of attorney - see under heading Enduring power of attorney.

If someone can make a decision for themselves, they can be said to have the mental capacity to make that decision. If they aren't able to make a decision because of some form of mental disability, they can be said to lack the mental capacity to make that decision. The disability may be either temporary or permanent and could be caused by:

There are guidelines to help you work out whether someone has the mental capacity to make a decision. Someone is unable to make a decision if they can't:

understand the information needed to help them make the decision, even when the information is given in a way which meets their needs, for example, using simple language or by sign language or

remember that information or

use or weigh the information to help them make the decision or

communicate their decision in any way

You can find information on how to work out whether someone has mental capacity on the Mental Health Foundation website at www.mentalhealth.org.uk.

Someone may lack the capacity to make all decisions or they may have the capacity to make certain decisions, but not others.

Who can make decisions when someone loses mental capacity and there's no power of attorney?

You may need to make decisions for someone who has lost their mental capacity when there's no lasting power of attorney or enduring power of attorney.

Once the person has lost their mental capacity, it's no longer possible to make a power of attorney - see under heading When does someone lack mental capacity?

It is possible to apply to the Court of Protection for a decision to be made on a particular matter. However, if there is a continuing need to make decisions on the person's behalf, you can ask the Court of Protection to appoint you as a deputy. A deputy was previously known as a receiver.

A deputy is usually a family member or someone who knows the person well. A deputy can make decisions about someone's personal welfare, property and financial affairs.

If there's no friend or family member who is suitable or willing to act as a deputy, the Court of Protection can appoint a professional from a panel.

Sometimes, two or more deputies are appointed. They can be asked to act together in all matters. Alternatively, they can be asked to act together and independently which means that they can act together but may also act independently if they wish.

If you are appointed as a deputy, you are entitled to have reasonable expenses paid, and may also be paid to carry out your duties.

You will have to be able to show the Office of the Public Guardian that you're acting in the best interests of the person who has lost their mental capacity. The Court can cancel your appointment if it decides that your appointment is no longer in the best interests of that person.

The Office of the Public Guardian will be responsible for supervising and supporting you.

There is information about becoming a deputy on the GOV.UK website at www.gov.uk.

If necessary, you can apply to the Court of Protection for an emergency order, which can be made in as little for 24 hours. You might need to do this if an urgent decision needed to be made to protect someone's health or safety. It is also possible to apply for an interim order, for example, if urgent action was needed to pay someone's care home fees.

What can you do if you think someone isn't acting in the best interests of someone who has lost mental capacity?

You may be concerned that an attorney or a deputy is not acting in the best interests of someone who has lost their mental capacity. You should report your concerns to the Office of the Public Guardian - see under Office of the Public Guardian.

If there's a lasting power of attorney or an enduring power of attorney which hasn't yet been registered, you may be able to object to the registration. The Office of the Public Guardian can direct an official of the court to visit an attorney or deputy to investigate your concerns. In serious cases, the Court of Protection can cancel a lasting power of attorney or an enduring power of attorney.

If you suspect an attorney or deputy of physical or sexual abuse, theft or serious fraud, you should contact the police. In some cases, it will be necessary to involve social services too.

Office of the Public Guardian

The Office of the Public Guardian is responsible for:

registering lasting power of attorneys

appointing and supervising deputies

making sure an attorney or deputy is carrying out their duties properly

dealing with complaints and objections about attorneys and deputies

The contact details of the Office of the Public Guardian are:

The Office of the Public Guardian
PO Box 16185
Birmingham
B2 2WH
Tel: 0300 456 0300
Textphone: 0115 934 2778
Fax: 0870 739 5780
E-mail: customerservices@publicguardian.gsi.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/office-of-the-public-guardian

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This page has information for people who want to manage someone else's affairs. It also has information if you want someone else to manage your affairs for you.

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Although we may take it for granted, driving is a very complex activity requiring a number of cognitive and physical skills, as well as the ability to co-ordinate these. Any of these skills may be impaired after a brain injury.
Can I drive after brain injury?

Fortunately, many people who have sustained a brain injury retain most of their previous driving abilities, and are able to return to driving soon afterwards. However, there are legal requirements which must be adhered to.

It is sensible to take precautions such as having a driving assessment, even if you feel that your driving skills remain intact. It should be remembered that a car is a potentially lethal weapon: many people with a brain injury were themselves injured in a road traffic collision.

It can be relatively straightforward to make adaptations to a vehicle in order to compensate for physical disabilities. However, the less obvious effects of brain injury - on thinking, memory, judgement, decision making and emotions - can be more difficult to overcome.

Ultimately, the decision on whether someone is safe to drive lies with the licensing authorities. This booklet explains the processes involved in reporting a medical condition and provides advice on minimising cognitive and physical impairments.

What are the legal requirements for driving after brain injury?

If you drive and have had a brain injury, you must inform the licensing authorities. This applies to any 'notifiable' condition which could affect your ability to drive and failure to inform the authorities could result in a fine of up to £1000. It would also mean that your licence is not valid and that you would be uninsured in the event of an accident.

As a general rule, the medical standards state that after a traumatic brain injury drivers with an ordinary car or motorcycle (Group 1) licence should cease driving for 6 to 12 months, depending on factors such as post-traumatic amnesia, seizures, and clinical recovery. Other forms of acquired brain injury have slightly different rules, but if there are lasting impairments which affect driving ability then the licence is likely to be removed for a period.

However, because every brain injury is different, each case is considered on an individual basis.

Further information on the legal requirements, rules for professional drivers and how to inform the authorities is contained in the Headway booklet Driving after brain injury, which is available to download in the Related resources section.

Support with driving after brain injury

As your driving ability can change after a brain injury, you may need support to get back on the road.

If you are receiving the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance or the enhanced rate moving around component of Personal Independence Payment, you may be able to get a car through Motability. They also have a list of accredited suppliers who can make adaptations to your car if you find it hard to operate because of a physical disability.

You might need to get an assessment before getting back on the road, to see if you are fit to drive and/or to get advice on adaptations you might need. For more information, contact Driving Mobility.

Further information

Our booklet Driving after brain injury (PDF) provides detailed information on the subject, from the legal requirements and the effect of brain injury on driving, to the process of returning to driving and financial support for those who wish to do so.

You can download it now using the link above or through our information library.

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Although we may take it for granted, driving is a very complex activity requiring a number of cognitive and physical skills, as well as the ability to co-ordinate these. Any of these skills may be impaired after a brain injury.

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Stay at home

Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)

If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times

Wash your hands as soon as you get home

Do not meet others, even friends or family.

You can spread the virus even if you don't have symptoms.

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Check if a health condition affects your driving

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Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home) If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times Wash your hands as soon as you get home Do not meet others, even friends or family.

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Wessex Driveability - A charitable organisation

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Wessex DriveAbility is a charitable organisation dedicated to assisting people with disabilities or medical conditions to drive independently.

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A brain injury is likely to have an effect on a family's finances, and claiming benefits can help to ease the pressure. The system is complex and can be confusing, so it is important to get professional advice and to apply as soon as possible so you don't lose money.
This section gives you an overview of some of the benefits you can claim. It takes account of some of the recent changes in the welfare system, and explains which benefits you might be entitled to and how to make a claim.

You might find it helpful to read our tips for completing benefits application forms, which are designed to help you get the right decision first time.

Many people are asked to take part in an assessment when claiming benefits. You can find guidance on how to get ready for the assessment on our preparing for welfare benefits assessments page.

When making a claim for benefits or appealing a decision you disagree with, it is always advisable to seek professional advice. You can find out more about the options that are available on the appealing a welfare benefits decision page.

Contact the Headway helpline to talk through your situation and get information on further support.

Benefits you may be able to claim

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A brain injury is likely to have an effect on a family's finances, and claiming benefits can help to ease the pressure. The system is complex and can be confusing, so it is important to get professional advice and to apply as soon as possible so you don't lose money.

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Check benefits and financial support you can get

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Find out what benefits and financial support you may be able to get.

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Depending on your personal circumstances, you may be entitled to some form of assistance. Here, we talk you through some of the main benefits and the criteria you must meet to be eligible to receive them.

the main UK benefits

Universal Credit (UC)

Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit supporting people of working age on a low income. Working age means under state pension age. It replaces six existing means-tested benefits, known as legacy benefits. These are: Income Based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit. If you already receive one of these legacy benefits and your circumstances change, it is recommended you seek advice prior to claiming Universal Credit.

Your income and capital will affect the amount of Universal Credit you receive. If you have capital over £16,000, you are not eligible for Universal Credit. The first £6,000 of capital is ignored. Capital between £6,000 and £16,000 will affect the amount you receive. Some capital may be disregarded, but you may also be treated as having capital that you do not actually have.

Universal Credit can be applied for online through the   Government website.

New Style Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

If you are unemployed or work less than 16 hours a week, you may be eligible for   New Style Jobseekers Allowance.

This is a contribution-based benefit. You may be eligible if you have paid and/or been credited with enough Class 1 National Insurance contributions in the two full tax years before the calendar year of your claim. The benefit is paid for up to 182 days.

Your savings and capital, and your partner's savings and capital, aren't taken into consideration. If you receive any earnings or a private pension, this may affect the amount you receive.

Other conditions for eligibility apply. These include being available for work, actively seeking work and being under state pension age.

If you are eligible, the weekly rate is £77.00, if you are 25 and over, and £61.05, if you are aged 18 to 24.

You can claim New Style Jobseeker's Allowance and top this up with Universal Credit if, for example, you have children, or housing cost.

New Style Employment and Support Allowance/Contribution-Based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

New Style/Contribution Employment and Support Allowance   is a benefit for people under state pension age, who have limited capability to work due to an illness or disability, and are not receiving statutory sick pay.

As with New Style/Contribution Based JSA, it is a contribution- based benefit. You must have paid/been credited with enough Class 1 or 2 National Insurance Contributions during the last two full tax years prior to the year you claim.

You will need to have a fit note from your doctor confirming you are not well enough to work. If you have only just become ill, you can self-certify for the first seven days.

New Style ESA does not take into consideration your partner's income or any savings that you or your partner have. Most of your income is ignored, but if you are receiving an amount from a personal pension, this may affect the amount you receive.

As with JSA the weekly amount is £77.00, if you are 25 and over, and £61.05, if you are 18 to 24.

As with New Style/Contribution Based JSA, if you do not have enough income to meet your housing and other costs, you may be eligible for Universal Credit as well, providing you meet the criteria for both benefits.

Pension credit

Pension Credit   is a means-tested benefit for people who are on a low income and have reached state pension age.

This benefit tops up your weekly income to the following basic amounts for 2022/23:

single person £182.60

couple £278.70

As with   Universal Credit,  additional payments are paid given if you are severely disabled, or are a carer for someone who is.

In addition, you may be eligible for other means-tested benefits to help with your costs, such as Housing Benefit, Support with Mortgage Interest, and Council Tax Support.

Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit  is provided through your local council and is a means-tested benefit to help people on low incomes with their rent.
A claim for Housing Benefit can be made if:

both you and your partner have reached state pension age

you or your partner have been receiving Pension Credit prior to the 15 May 2019

you live in supported, sheltered or temporary accommodation

If you do not fall into one of these categories, and you require assistance with your rent, you should claim Universal Credit.

Discretionary Housing Payment

Discretionary Housing Payment is discretionary assistance available through your local council and can be provided to assist with rent shortfalls if you are already in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit where a housing element is included for rental costs.

Assistance can also be applied for to help with the costs of starting a tenancy such as a rental deposit or rent in advance if you need to move.

To apply for this benefit please visit your local councils website.

Support with Mortgage Interest (SMI)

To qualify for a   Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)  loan, you need to receive one of the following:

You can start getting a loan:

from the date you start receiving Pension Credit

after you've received nine consecutive Universal Credit payments

after you've claimed any other qualifying benefit for 39 consecutive weeks

Support with Mortgage Interest is provided as a loan and the repayment depends on your circumstances when the house is sold, or ownership is transferred. You will also have to pay interest on the loan.

Council Tax support

This benefit is provided by your local council and is a means-tested benefit to help people on a low income with their Council Tax bill.

This benefit is localised and the support you receive depends on your local council's rules, although they are broadly similar across the country. Council Tax support is:

means-tested and takes into consideration your income and capital.

available to people who live in rental properties or homeowners.

For further details, visit your local council's website.

Personal Independence Payment

Personal Independence Payment (PIP), is a benefit for people, who are aged between 16 and state retirement age, and have additional care needs due to an illness or disability. If you are in receipt of PIP before you reach state retirement age your claim will continue past state pension age if your additional care needs remain.

PIP is a non-means-tested benefit, so your income and capital are ignored.

PIP is made up of a daily living and mobility component. The   daily living  element is for the extra help you need with everyday tasks such as preparing meals, washing, dressing, bathing and managing money. The mobility element consider how far you can walk and any difficulties you may have with making journeys.

If you are awarded this benefit, you should check to see if you are eligible for other means-tested-benefits or disability discounts.
The weekly rates for 2022/2023 are:
daily living

mobility

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)   is a benefit for children, who have additional care or mobility needs due to an illness or disability. They must be under the age of 16 to make a claim. There are additional age rules in relation to the mobility element of DLA.

DLA has two components - the personal care component and mobility component. It is non-means tested and therefore capital or income is not taken into consideration.

The weekly rates for 2022/2023 are:

care

low rate - £24.45

middle rate - £61.85

high rate - £92.40

mobility

lower Rate rate - £24.45

higher Rate rate - £64.50

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance   is for people who have reached state pension age, and are:

physically or mentally disabled and need assistance or supervision with their personal care needs

need supervision or support to keep them safe

This benefit is available to people, who live on their own or with others, and is not dependent on whether the assistance that is needed is being provided.

It is a non-means-tested benefit and therefore capital and income are ignored.

If you are awarded this benefit, you should check to see if you are eligible for other means-tested-benefits or disability discounts.

The weekly rates for 2022/23 are:

lower rate (for help in the day or night) £61.85

higher rate (for help in the day and night) £92.40

Carer's Allowance

Carer's Allowance is paid to people who provide more than 35 hours' informal care for those in receipt of the following benefits:

Personal Independence Payments - for daily living

disability Living Allowance -  care component middle or higher rate

attendance Allowance

All of the following must apply:

You:

Before claiming Carer's Allowance, make sure you seek professional advice because it can impact on the benefit entitlement of the person you are caring for.

Receiving Carer's Allowance may also mean you are entitled to receive other means-tested benefits or increase existing benefit payments.

The weekly rate for this benefit in 2022/23 is £69.70 a week.

Council Tax reduction/discount schemes
Disability Reduction Scheme for Council Tax (Disabled Band Reduction Scheme)
This is a non-means-tested reduction so not dependent based on your income or capital.

Your Council Tax bill can be reduced if you or somebody in your home is 'substantially and permanently disabled' and you have:

a room (other than a bathroom, kitchen, or toilet) that is used to meet your needs e.g. for dialysis, treatment or storing of equipment

a second bathroom or kitchen used to meet your needs

enough space in your home to use a wheelchair indoors

If any of these apply, the bill for your home will be reduced to the next lowest band. If you are already in an A brand property, you will have your bill reduced by 17 percent.

The reduction can be backdated, but this may be limited to six years.

Contact your local council for further details and an application form.

Severe Mental Impairment disregard for Council Tax

People who are severely mentally impaired are not included in the calculation of Council Tax liability. To qualify for this benefit:

somebody within your household needs to be diagnosed as having a '"severe mental impairment'" that appears to be permanent. This could be due to conditions, such as dementia, severe learning difficulties or another condition that causes a '"severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning.'" You will need a certificate from your doctor to confirm the diagnosis.

You also need to receive one of these benefits:

personal Independence Payment (standard or enhanced daily living component), Attendance Allowance (any rate) or Disability Living Allowance (care component paid at the middle or higher rate)

If you meet the criteria and live with one other person who isn't severely mentally impaired, you will receive a 25% discount on your Council Tax.

If everyone in the house has a severe mental impairment, then an exemption for the whole property is applied and you won't have to pay Council Tax.

If you are considered severely mentally impaired but live with two or more adults who are not severely mentally impaired, you will not receive a Council Tax discount.

To apply for this benefit, contact your local council. In Wales, there is a national scheme.

Carer Disregard for Council Tax

You are classed as being disregarded as an occupant of a property if you are a live-in carer looking after someone. The person you care for cannot be your husband, wife, civil partner or your child under 18. If you do care for a child that is under the age of 18, you can be disregarded if you are not their parent.

You must care for the person for at least 35 hours a week and they must receive one of the following benefits:

The carer does not have to receive Carer's Allowance to be disregarded.

Care workers living at a property may also be disregarded for Council Tax purposes.

To be classed as a care worker, you need to:

how we can help

We supports the wellbeing of past and present ICAEW members, ACA students, ICAEW staff members, and their spouses, partners and children up to the age of 25. If you believe you may be entitled to receive benefit support, but are not sure about eligibility we can help.  Contact our team of advisors, to discuss further.

The information in this article is designed to provide general advice only. The list of benefits is not exhaustive. Every effort has been made to make sure that the information is correct. However, as the benefits system is complicated and legislation can change, we recommend you seek expert advice in relation to your personal situation.

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Depending on your personal circumstances, you may be entitled to some form of assistance. Here, we talk you through some of the main benefits and the criteria you must meet to be eligible to receive them. Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit supporting people of working age on a low income.

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Important Phone Numbers - West Melton Primary School

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Staff at West Melton will always help you if we can but here are some important phone numbers should you need support when school is closed.

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We all experience a huge range of emotions, every emotion is valid

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Borrowed (temporarily and without permission) from Geoffrey Roberts.

Hi there! This page is provided as a free resource for anybody who might find it useful. I make exactly $0.00 off of it, though I do incur small hosting and domain renewal costs. If you feel so inclined to contribute to those costs, you can Venmo me by scanning the QR code below.

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Borrowed (temporarily and without permission) from Geoffrey Roberts. Hi there! This page is provided as a free resource for anybody who might find it useful. I make exactly $0.00 off of it, though I do incur small hosting and domain renewal costs.

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Self-Help Guides | Coping With Coronavirus

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Click on the picture of the self-help guide documents to open. All of our guides are PDFs so they can be easily saved, printed, emailed so you can share them with others.

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The Headway helpline is a free, confidential service available to anyone with a question about brain injury - from survivors and carers to students and professionals. We can discuss a wide range of issues relating to brain injury, from the initial injury and its effects, to long-term rehabilitation and support.
"Whether it seemed like the daftest question in the world or the most serious of matters, Headway picked us up and guided us on our way. Nine years on, they still do."
- Headway helpline caller
We are open 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday, but you can leave an answerphone message at any time.

Write to us

Use the form below to send a message directly to our helpline team and we'll respond to you as soon as possible.

Free, confidential service

The Headway helpline is a confidential service available to anyone with a question about brain injury - from survivors and carers to students and professionals. We can discuss a wide range of issues relating to brain injury, from the initial injury and its effects, to long-term rehabilitation and support.

Demand for the service has grown by over 65% in the last five years.
Calls to the helpline are free from most land-line telephones and mobile networks.
Nurse-led

Run by a team of trained nurses and non-clinical staff with expertise in supporting people with brain injury, we aim to provide information on all aspects of acquired brain injury including symptoms, rehabilitation and practical problems. We can also send out printed copies of our factsheets, as well as helping you to find your local Headway group or branch.

The Headway helpline is a member of the The Helplines Partnership.

Things we can do...

Below is a list of the services we can offer. It's not exhaustive; so if in doubt, do call us!

Provide information on all aspects of brain injury

Give you support by talking through your situation, and try to answer any questions and concerns you may have

Research more difficult enquiries to try to find information, or relevant places to find it

Give details of local groups & branches

Signpost to other organisations where their support may be helpful

Send copies of Headway's booklets and factsheets

Give details of solicitors who can help with compensation claims

Help you apply for funding through the Headway Emergency Fund, and give details of other possible funding providers if the Emergency Fund can't help

Things we can't do...

Below is a list of things we can't do, although we can help you to find services or professionals who can help, so please contact us for more information.

Give medical advice and diagnoses. If you have any new or worsening symptoms that you need to discuss with a healthcare professional, contact your GP or their out of hours service.

Recommend particular services, such as rehabilitation centres, doctors or solicitors - although we can give information that will help you to make a choice.

Take on casework, but we will be able to discuss your situation and help you access appropriate information and support.

Provide legal advice, although we can signpost to appropriate legal services.

Give information on children's brain injury. There are a number of organisations who give support relating to child brain injury, see the Useful organisations page for more details.

Provide a counselling service, although we can spend time talking through your situation and provide a listening ear.

The content of all correspondence with the Headway helpline is for information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. You should always speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about a medical condition, and to a specialist solicitor if you have concerns of a legal nature.

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The Headway helpline is a free, confidential service available to anyone with a question about brain injury - from survivors and carers to students and professionals. We can discuss a wide range of issues relating to brain injury, from the initial injury and its effects, to long-term rehabilitation and support.

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Age UK | The UK's leading charity helping every older person who needs us

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Age UK is the leading charity for older people. Visit Age UK today for help, information and advice or to see how you can donate or give support.

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Different Strokes | Stroke Charity Helping Younger Stroke Survivors

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Welcome to Different Strokes - a UK stroke charity providing a unique service to younger stroke survivors and information about stroke in young people.

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Even after a minor head injury, brain function can be temporarily impaired and this is sometimes referred to as concussion. This can lead to difficulties such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, depression, irritability and memory problems.

While most people are symptom-free within two weeks, some can experience problems for months or even years after a minor head injury.

The more severe the brain injury, the more pronounced the long-term effects are likely to be. Survivors of more severe brain injury are likely to have complex long-term problems affecting their personality, their relationships and their ability to lead an independent life.

Even with good rehabilitation, support and help in the community, survivors and their families are likely to face uncertain and challenging futures.

Browse this section to find out more about the effects of brain injury. You can also download our Effects of brain injury and how to help (PDF) booklet in the related resources section.

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Even after a minor head injury, brain function can be temporarily impaired and this is sometimes referred to as concussion. This can lead to difficulties such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, depression, irritability and memory problems. While most people are symptom-free within two weeks, some can experience problems for months or even years after a minor head injury.

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An acquired brain injury (ABI) is an injury caused to the brain since birth. There are many possible causes, including a fall, a road accident, tumour and stroke.

Traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by a trauma to the head (head injury). There are many possible causes, including road traffic accidents, assaults, falls and accidents at home or at work.

The effects of a traumatic brain injury can be wide ranging, and depend on a number of factors such as the type, location and severity of injury.

Other forms of acquired brain injury

Acquired brain injury covers all situations in which brain injury has occurred since birth, and includes traumatic brain injury as well as tumour, stroke, brain haemorrhage and encephalitis, to name a few.

The effects are often very similar to those of traumatic brain injury, but there are key differences that make treating and coping with acquired brain injury quite different.

Find out more

Get more information on some of the common causes of acquired brain injury:

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An acquired brain injury (ABI) is an injury caused to the brain since birth. There are many possible causes, including a fall, a road accident, tumour and stroke. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by a trauma to the head (head injury).

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Coastal West Sussex - Stroke Recovery Service

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Midhurst and Chichester Stroke Recovery Service provides practical advice, emotional support and high-quality information following a stroke. Whether you are a stroke survivor, carer or family member, we will work with you to identify and address your physical needs through a personalised plan, and support you to rebuild your life after stroke.

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Carers Support West Sussex | Local Support For Carers

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A charity, working with and for family and friend carers in West Sussex, providing information and guidance along with practical and emotional support.

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An update on response timescales

Due to overwhelming demand for our services, response times will vary. In calling us, please leave a message on our voicemail with your contact details. Our team will endeavour to call back as soon as is practicable.

If you are in need of support urgently, please contact 111/999 in the event of a medical emergency or Adult Carepoint (01243 642121) if you need to raise a safeguarding.

We thank you for your patience.

I am most grateful for the help that you give and feel that I haven't been lost in the system but have been treated with care and consideration.

I found talking to the Response Line worker very reassuring that there was help for me if I needed it which made me feel better and not alone. All the information she gave me has been valuable and has reassured me and put my mind at rest.

I enjoyed my telephone conversation and felt far less stressed at the end of it. I felt that the Response Line worker was empathetic with my situation and listened to all my concerns.

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Carers Support West Sussex | Local Support For Carers

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Increase or Decrease Font Size Due to overwhelming demand for our services, response times will vary. In calling us, please leave a message on our voicemail with your contact details. Our team will endeavour to call back as soon as is practicable.

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Carers Trust is a major charity for, with and about carers.

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Why have a carer's assessment?

Getting a carer's assessment could be the first step to gaining vital support. It's your chance to discuss the help you need as a carer. Find out how it could make life easier for you and the person you care for.

In Scotland, this is usually referred to as an adult carer support plan and in Wales, it is often called a carer's needs assessment. For ease of reference, we will use the term 'carer's assessment'.

Don't be put off by the word 'assessment' - it's certainly not a test of your abilities as a carer. It's a chance to let your local council or trust know how your caring responsibilities affect you physically and emotionally. They will use the assessment to find out what support you need, whether you're willing or able to carry on caring, what you want to achieve in your daily life and whether you qualify for help.

Most assessments are carried out face to face, although some local councils or trusts offer the option to have the assessment online or over the phone. It should be done at a time and place that is convenient for you.

Some local care centres will also carry out carers' assessments - it's worth checking with your local carers organisation.

If you're over 18 and provide regular unpaid care for someone, you're entitled to a carer's assessment. It doesn't matter how much or what sort of care you provide. For more details, see our 'Assessments' factsheets (
England, NI, Scotland and Wales).

A carer's assessment is different from a needs assessment, which is for the person you are caring for. You can have them both done at the same time if you want. You're entitled to a carer's assessment whether or not the person you care for has had a needs assessment.

Contact adult social services at your local council or trust (in Northern Ireland). If the person you care for lives in another area, contact their local council or trust instead (except in Wales, where you should still contact your own local council).

If you're a carer for your child, contact the children with disabilities department.

The assessment will last at least an hour. You can ask to have someone with you such as the person you care for, a friend or relative.

Collect all the relevant information you'll need: Things to think about beforehand

your NHS number

your GP's name, address and phone number details

your email address

contact details of anyone coming to the assessment with you

details of the person you care for including their name, address, date of birth and NHS number.

Make a list of the different ways you are providing support, such as offering emotional support, managing finances, helping someone with practical activities such as shopping, ensuring someone is safe from harm, or helping with personal needs such as using the bathroom.

Consider how caring affects your life. Does it leave enough time for you? Does it affect your emotional wellbeing - for example, do you often feel drained or lonely? Does it affect you physically - for example, do you lose sleep or get back ache from lifting someone regularly? Has it affected your work, social life or education?

If the person you care for will be present at the assessment, will you be able to speak freely about any difficulties you have?

The assessor will discuss how caring affects your life, including your physical, mental and emotional needs. They should cover:

your role as a carer

how you feel about caring

whether you're able or willing to carry on as a carer

your health

other caring responsibilities

what you enjoy doing in your free time

planning for emergencies.

Be honest and realistic about your caring role. If you put on a brave face or play down any difficulties, you could miss out on help and support.

Your local council or trust will work out whether your needs are eligible for support. If so, they will create a support plan for you. They might provide you with care and support directly, or provide it to the person you care for.

If you're not eligible for support, they must still give you information and advice on where you can go for help.

There are lots of different types of support you could be entitled to, including:

practical help with housework or gardening jobs

training to help you with your caring role, for example in moving and handling the person you care for

equipment or alterations to your home

emotional support such as counselling

breaks from caring, such as respite care for the person you care for

advice about benefits

support to improve your wellbeing, such as access to exercise classes, social activities or adult education.

Will I have to pay?
Councils are advised not to charge carers for support provided to them, but some will give you a financial assessment to work out what you can afford to pay. They should never charge for care and support provided for the person you care for. See our factsheet for more information about this ( England, NI, Scotland and Wales).

If you disagree with the decision following your assessment, there are ways to challenge it. See our guidance on making complaints
here.

Even if your council or trust claim they can't give you financial or practical support at the moment, they must still provide you with guidance and information to look after your health, welfare and overall wellbeing and to prevent you from developing support needs in the future.

Got a question about caring?

Every day we hear from people who need help with looking after a friend or family member

Become a member for free

Joining Carers UK is free and takes just a few minutes.

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Getting a carer's assessment could be the first step to gaining vital support. It's your chance to discuss the help you need as a carer. Find out how it could make life easier for you and the person you care for.

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Wholesome, budget suppers for the whole family.

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This section provides information and resources to help you claim compensation after a brain injury. You can browse the pages in this section to find out more about the claims process, and search for a brain injury specialist solicitor in the In your area section.

The Headway Head Injury Solicitors Directory is prepared by Headway to assist people seeking the services of solicitors experienced in personal injury litigation. The contacts in this Directory have been individually assessed regarding their experience in personal injury claims, specifically brain injury cases. The information provided in this section will help you to choose the right solicitor for your case by giving advice and guidance on what to ask, who to contact and where you can find a solicitor in your area.
It is strongly recommended that anyone wishing to seek advice from a solicitor should consult at least two or three firms before coming to a decision. Visit the Questions to ask your solicitor section for help with your first meeting.
Each of the solicitors featured on this list have agreed to work within the Headway Personal Injury Lawyers Code of Conduct. This tells you more about the service you can expect from your solicitor. We strongly recommend you read this and all of the legal advice pages before you visit your solicitor.

Find a solicitor

There are a number of ways to find a specialist solicitor:

You can search our Head Injury Solicitors Directory in the In your area section, or contact the Headway helpline for more details.

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This section provides information and resources to help you claim compensation after a brain injury. You can browse the pages in this section to find out more about the claims process, and search for a brain injury specialist solicitor in the In your area section.

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A lasting power of attorney ( LPA) is a legal document that lets you (the 'donor') appoint one or more people (known as 'attorneys') to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf.

This gives you more control over what happens to you if you have an accident or an illness and cannot make your own decisions (you 'lack mental capacity').

You must be 18 or over and have mental capacity (the ability to make your own decisions) when you make your LPA.

You do not need to live in the UK or be a British citizen.

There are 2 types of LPA:

health and welfare

property and financial affairs

You can choose to make one type or both.

How to make a lasting power of attorney

1. Choose your attorney (you can have more than one).

2. Fill in the forms to appoint them as an attorney.

3. Register your LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian (this can take up to 10 weeks).

It costs £82 to register an LPA unless you get a reduction or exemption.

You can cancel your LPA if you no longer need it or want to make a new one.

Health and welfare lasting power of attorney

Use this LPA to give an attorney the power to make decisions about things like:

your daily routine, for example washing, dressing, eating

medical care

moving into a care home

life-sustaining treatment

It can only be used when you're unable to make your own decisions.

Property and financial affairs lasting power of attorney

Use this LPA to give an attorney the power to make decisions about money and property for you, for example:

managing a bank or building society account

paying bills

collecting benefits or a pension

selling your home

It can be used as soon as it's registered, with your permission.

Help deciding if you should make a lasting power of attorney

Contact the Office of the Public Guardian if you need help.

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Make, register or end a lasting power of attorney

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A lasting power of attorney ( LPA) is a legal document that lets you (the 'donor') appoint one or more people (known as 'attorneys') to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf. This gives you more control over what happens to you if you have an accident or an illness and cannot make your own decisions (you 'lack mental capacity').

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There are plenty of holiday options to choose from if you or someone you care for has had a stroke. From respite breaks to accessible holiday packages, there are options that cater to many of the difficulties a stroke survivor might face.

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Your brain weighs about 3lbs, or just under 1.5Kg

It has the texture of blancmange

Your brain is connected to your spinal cord by the brain stem

Behind your brain stem is the cerebellum

The cerebral cortex is the largest part of your brain. It contains the frontal lobes, the motor cortex, sensory cortex and parietal lobes

The brain is made up of around 100 billion nerve cells and even more support cells, which provide nourishment to the nerve cells

The diagram below shows which areas of your brain control different activities.

Damage to a particular area can affect that activity. A stroke tends to affect a specific area of the brain, whereas a head injury due to for example, a road traffic accident, usually involves more general damage.

We also know that the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body. So if someone had a stroke which affected the left side of the brain, it would be likely that the right side of their body would be affected.

For most of us, the left side of the brain controls language, while the right side controls our more artistic abilities, such as drawing and music.

Cerebral cortex

The largest part of the brain is known as the cerebral cortex and is shaped like a large wrinkled walnut. It is divided into two halves and joined by a bridge in the middle, referred to as the corpus callosum. The two halves are known as the right and left cerebral hemispheres. The right hemisphere controls the left side of our body and the left hemisphere controls the right side of our body.

Damage only to the right side may affect movement in the left arm and leg or hearing in the left ear. There is also evidence that for most people the left hemisphere contains the language centres involving speech, while the right hemisphere tends to control non-language, spatial skills such as drawing or musical ability.

If a person receives injuries only to the left side of the brain, by for example, having a stroke, it is likely that speech would be affected, as would the ability to move the right side of the body.

As well as dividing into a left and right hemisphere, the cerebral cortex can be further divided into a number of areas, known as lobes:

Frontal lobe

The frontal lobe is the area behind the forehead and is heavily involved in intellectual activities such as planning and organising, as well as being involved in personality and the control of emotions and behaviour.

Motor and sensory cortices

Between the frontal and parietal lobes is the motor cortex which controls movement and the sensory cortex which controls sensation.

Parietal lobes

Located behind the frontal lobe, at the back of the brain above the ears, these have an important role to play in our ability to understand spatial relationships (e.g. the distance between two objects).

Temporal lobes

Nestled behind the ears, this area holds the bulk of our memories and our ability to understand things and speak.

Occipital lobe

At the very back of the head, behind the parietal lobes, are the occipital lobes, which are responsible for vision. Any injury to this area can cause partial or complete blindness.

Internal areas of the brain

Hidden in the middle of this walnut-like cerebral cortex are a number of small white nerve centres, collectively known as the diencephalon.

In this area lies the small pea-sized hypothalamus, which controls appetite regulation, sexual arousal, thirst and temperature control, and some aspects of memory.

Close to this area is another important set of nuclei, referred to as the limbic system. Damage to this area can disrupt emotional regulation, leaving the individual with dramatic and sudden mood swings.

Cranium and brain stem

The brain is completely surrounded by a hard, protective, rounded shell of bone, known as the skull or cranium. The important thing to remember about the skull is that underneath the front, there are a number of bony ridges. When the soft tissue of the brain is shaken around, these ridges have the unfortunate effect of lacerating and damaging the underside of the front of the brain.

On the floor of the skull is a hole where the lower part of the brain or brain stem is connected to the spinal cord, and from there to the whole of the nervous system and the rest of the body. The brain stem is rather like a thick telecommunications cable, with countless nerve fibres, like wires, carrying messages backwards and forwards. It is also known to control bodily functions such as wakefulness, consciousness, tiredness, heartbeat and blood pressure. Damage to this area is thought to cause concussion and loss of consciousness.

Texture and blood vessels

The texture of the brain is rather like soft blancmange, but is held together in the skull by three layers of membrane called the dura mater (closest to the bone), arachnoid (middle layer) and pia mater (closest to the brain). These layers are collectively referred to as the meninges.

Between the pia and arachnoid membranes is the subarachnoid space, where the blood vessels supplying and draining the brain pass through. Like any organ, the brain is dependent on blood from the heart, and is criss-crossed by a network of large arteries, which divide into progressively smaller branches. When the brain is shaken about in a head injury, these vessels tear and bleed. As people get older, the blood vessels become more brittle and more likely to tear if shaken around. This bleeding leads to a build-up of blood clots, which pressurises and damages the delicate tissue of the brain.

The brain in its membranous sack floats in a sea of cerebrospinal fluid, which fills in all the gaps around the brain and offers some protection and cushioning. Just behind the brain stem sits a curved lump of tissue called the cerebellum. This area regulates all of a person's fine motor co-ordination, which is involved in skills such as balancing, moving quickly and gracefully, dancing, threading a needle, or climbing a ladder.

Nerve cells

The make up of the brain consists of billions of microscopic nerve cells. Under a powerful microscope these cells look like small dots with a network of hair like tentacles, referred to as axons and dendrites. They communicate with each other by passing electrical and chemical impulses between these tentacles. Highly complex patterns of communication, or pathways, build up as the brain develops throughout childhood.

The effect of a head injury on this delicate substance is similar to that of vigorously shaking a plate of blancmange - it shears and tears, disrupting those pathways of communication.

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Your brain weighs about 3lbs, or just under 1.5Kg It has the texture of blancmange Your brain is connected to your spinal cord by the brain stem Behind your brain stem is the cerebellum The cerebral cortex is the largest part of your brain.

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You can browse the library below, clicking the download arrow to view a PDF version. Use the search tools above to filter by category, audience or keyword.

Many of our e-booklets are available to buy through our online shop, and you can click the button next to them to order now. People with a brain injury and their family members can order free printed copies of our booklets and factsheets through the Headway helpline.

We'd love to hear your opinion on our publications to help us develop and improve them. If you'd like to help, please click here to complete the feedback form.

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You can browse the library below, clicking the download arrow to view a PDF version. Use the search tools above to filter by category, audience or keyword. Many of our e-booklets are available to buy through our online shop, and you can click the button next to them to order now.

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NHS advice about healthy living, including eating a balanced diet, healthy weight, exercise, quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol.

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If you smoke, you might be more at risk of having high blood pressure. If left untreated, high blood pressure can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

High blood pressure does not usually have any symptoms, so the only way to know if you have it, is to get a check. If you are 40 or over, live in England and haven't had a check in the last 6 months, you can get your blood pressure checked for free at your pharmacy today.

If your blood pressure is high, then it can be managed through lifestyle changes or medication.

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When you stop smoking, good things start to happen to your health. Get free support from the NHS to become smoke free and help build a smokefree generation.

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The NHS App is available on iOS and Android:

You can also access your NHS account using the NHS website.

To have an NHS account, you must be aged 13 or over and registered with a GP surgery in England.

Find out more about who can have an NHS account.

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Download the NHS App, or open the NHS website in a web browser, to set up and log in to your NHS account. Owned and run by the NHS, your NHS account is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services online.

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Diabetes UK - Know diabetes. Fight diabetes. | Diabetes UK

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We are Diabetes UK, the leading charity for people living with diabetes in the UK. Our vision is a world where diabetes can do no harm.

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chiara's one-handed life "chiara'sone handed life" stroke disability disabled "stroke survivor" hemiplegia "different strokes" "chiara beer"

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Welcome to Chiara's one handed life My name is Chiara, I have acquired right hand side hemiplegia. In easy to understand language this means I have muscle weakness and paralysis on my right side. This is a result of a stroke I suffered at three years old due to the Chicken pox virus.

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Our services and how they help people with Spinal Cord Injury

Our incredible fundraisers are vital to our services helping people paralysed by spinal cord injury. Whether you sign up to one of our challenge events, host your own event, grab a bucket or hold a collection, we will support you throughout your fundraising.

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Aspire supports people with Spinal Cord Injury

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Our services and how they help people with Spinal Cord Injury Our incredible fundraisers are vital to our services helping people paralysed by spinal cord injury. Whether you sign up to one of our challenge events, host your own event, grab a bucket or hold a collection, we will support you throughout your fundraising.