Child brain injury statistics

Every half an hour in the UK, a child will acquire a brain injury. At least one child every week will be admitted into the Oxford Children’s Hospital with a serious head injury.

This could be the result of an accident, illness such as meningitis; poisoning; stroke or tumour. Families find themselves facing a void, unsure of what the future holds for the child.

Based on the outskirts of Bicester, the Child Brain Injury Trust (or CBIT for short) offers a lifeline to anyone affected by childhood Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).

CBIT offers information and support to children and families and trains professionals so that they are fully aware of the challenges the child is likely to face.

For years, many parents have told CBIT that once their child is discharged from medical care, they receive little or no follow-up care. If only there had been someone there for them at the hospital stage to answer their questions and support the family, the whole experience would have been much less traumatic.

To meet this demand, CBIT has set up a grass-roots support service for local children and families in Oxfordshire, working with families whenever needed. It costs £50,000 each year. “Currently, we are only able to offer this service to 40 families in the county, but we know there are many more in desperate need of our support,” said Rachel Ritter, fundraising manager of CBIT.

On March 21, CBIT is hosting its annual A Night with the Stars Awards dinner at The Randolph Hotel, Oxford. The event will be hosted by the UK’s top magician, Paul Daniels, and will celebrate the achievements of children, parents and professionals affected by childhood ABI. Businesses and individuals are being asked to donate items for a silent auction.

Source - CBIT