North East charity Momentum, part of the Rehab Group, has teamed up with the Stroke Association and BRAINBOX to provide an advice-led partnership scheme entitled ‘Moving On Together.’ The launch of the service is supported by serious injury specialist lawyers, TLW.
The aim is to support over 400 beneficiaries who have suffered a stroke or sustained an acquired brain injury to reduce their isolation, increase their independence, manage their conditions and support their carers.
The Moving On Together scheme will launch later this month from its Newcastle offices on Melbourne Street and will be a free service for individuals and families as well as for GPs and social workers to receive help, advice and long-term requirements as well as get access to community and one-to-one support along with information about an array of social activities.
Momentum’s North East regional manager, Gemma Armstrong, said: “There are hundreds of people suffering from different neurological injuries throughout the region each year, who previously have had very limited access to help or funding for care.
“By working with partners that specialise in such areas, families and carers can have a 360-degree approach to finding the right help and resource available for them to obtain and afford high-quality rehabilitation aids.
“In the 17 years that Momentum has been established, we have helped over 200 people per year within the North East so by collaborating with additional specialist partners, the Moving On Together scheme will be even more beneficial to people and their carers by maintaining independence and in some instances, return to education, training or work.”
The scheme provides well-needed services from counselling, advice and guidance around therapeutic and psychological support, to funding and compensation, personal development or community integration for both children and adults.
TLW’s head of marketing and business development, Alistair McDonald, believes the collaboration is a well needed step in the right direction.
He said: “A stroke or any acquired brain injury can have a devastating effect on someone’s life so services such as these are vital. People will benefit from a higher percentage of access to long-term care, successful rehabilitations and comfort than if these services had not been available.
“We are delighted to be able to provide our support and expertise to launch this fantastic new service, helpingfamilies gain valuable information about what is available in terms of long-term requirements as well as helping to engage with the individuals and other professionals in the industry.”
Peter Moore, regional director at the Stroke Association, added: “A stroke can happen in an instant but its effects can last a lifetime. More people than ever before are surviving a stroke but many stroke survivors tell us that after all the effort to save their lives they then feel isolated when they return home. We’re thrilled to be involved with the Moving on Together partnership to help support people affected by stroke to make their best possible recovery.”