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This article was published on July 26th, 2017
A brand new initiative for victims who have suffered brain injuries has been backed by a member of the royal family.
The Brain Injury Identity Card initiative, which was launched this month is being supported by His Royal Highness Prince Harry.
Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway (the charity behind the initiative) said: “The Headway Brain Injury Identity Card is designed to help the police to identify survivors at the earliest opportunity, ensuring they receive suitable support and are diverted away from the criminal justice system where appropriate.”
Whilst speaking to brain injury survivors during the launch event for the Brain Injury Identity Card, His Royal Highness Prince Harry described the introduction of the card as “a life-changing moment for people with a traumatic brain injury.”
The card is part of Headways’ wider ‘Justice Project’, which is designed to raise awareness of brain injury within the criminal justice system. Being arrested can be a deeply traumatic experience for anyone, however, those feelings of anxiety and confusion are heightened for brain injury survivors, which can lead to the survivor experiencing anger management issues as a result of being confronted by a policeman or being detained in a confined space such as a police car.
Janette McCormick, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Disabilities, said: “We fully support this excellent initiative, which will help police officers and custody sergeants identify brain injury survivors at any early stage.”
“This will not only save valuable and limited resources in many cases but more importantly will ensure vulnerable adults are treated in an appropriate manner as a result of having their needs identified.”
Mr McCabe also highlighted that “sadly, evidence shows that brain injury is over-represented in the criminal justice system… and it is widely misunderstood in all facets of society and those working in the criminal justice system are certainly not alone in struggling to identify and appropriately support those affected.”
Not only does the card help the police force, but the card also has the additional benefit of breaking down social exclusion, with card holders having renewed confidence in the knowledge that they can easily explain their support needs in everyday situations.
All Brain Injury Identity Cards are personalised to include the survivor’s photo, a list of some of the common effects that they experience on a regular basis and a clinical verification of their brain injury.
To find out if you are eligible for a Brain Injury Identity Card or to apply for your own, click here.
A brain injury can challenge every aspect of your life including the things we take for granted every day including walking, talking, thinking and feeling – and the losses can be severe and permanent. It can mean losing both the life you once lived and the person you once were.
If you have suffered a brain injury, or know of someone who has, please get in touch with a member of our catastrophic injury team who will be happy to help you explore your compensation claim.
We offer a free initial interview in order to review your specific circumstances and assess the viability of your claim.
To speak to one of our specialist team call us now on FREEPHONE 0800 1979 345, or complete our enquiry form and we can call you back at a time to suit you.
