Linking practice with research

Professionals and students from across Europe who work with children with a disorder of consciousness are coming to a special conference we’re running to share their work and hear from experts on how to link practice with research.

It’s a unique opportunity for both researchers and practitioners to explore their work relating to disorders of consciousness (minimally conscious/vegetative state) resulting from acquired brain injury in children and youth.

Called "Children and youth with disorders of consciousness: Linking practice with research" the event is being held on Thursday 9th October in Tadworth, Surrey.

We’re excited to announce our keynote speaker is Ellen Romein, MSc. OT, France, in collaboration with the Department of Neuropediatrics, Schön Klinik Vogtareuth, Germany. She is the first author of the Remission Profile for children and adolescents after severe acquired brain injuries.

She’ll be joined by guest speakers Dr Rob Forsyth, Senior Lecturer at Newcastle University and Consultant Paediatric Neurologist, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne; Dr Chris Kidson, Consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care, Royal Hospital for Sick Children; and Dr Neil Wimalasundera from Great Ormond Street Hospital.

To find out more about the conference please click here 

Ethan’s exclusive boxing session at professional club

A youngster who is receiving rehabilitation at The Children’s Trust following a brain tumour has enjoyed an exclusive boxing lesson.

Ethan Ridd, nine, was given VIP treatment at Fight Knights Boxing Club in Morden which was specially opened for his visit and where he met champion boxers.

The gym workers had managed to call in a favour from Lenny Daws, a former two time British light welterweight champion and Michael Smith, the current featherweight champion.

They trained Ethan on different punches and stances during the session and he proved to have a talent!

At the end of the lesson Ethan was given lots of souvenirs including a heavy-weight belt, boxing gloves and wraps.

And the generous owners didn't charge a penny for the experience.

Ava was a special guest at Wimbledon!

A little girl who is receiving rehabilitation at The Children’s Trust for a brain injury has had a memorable day at Wimbledon where she met tennis ace, Roger Federer.

Ava with Roger Federer, Andrea Jaeger and Adriana

Ava Mear had VIP treatment during the day out at the tournament on 4 July. Not only did the five-year-old play tennis on the courts, she had lunch in the players’ dining room, met players, watched them practise and chatted to everyone in the referee’s office.

Ava, who was joined by her mum, Mary-Jane was also presented with souvenir picture badges.

The day out was arranged by Andrea Jaeger, a former tennis pro who visited The Children’s Trust to give some sessions this month. After meeting Ava during her visit she got in contact to invite her to Wimbledon.

Andrea Jaeger with Ava

To find out more about what the children at The Children’s Trust are doing why not look at our Facebook and Twitter pages?

#volunteersweek

The Children’s Trust is celebrating Volunteers’ Week (June 1-7) and would like to thank and acknowledge the fantastic work of its volunteers throughout the UK.

Kyle on Oak House

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week, which is somewhat fitting as The Children’s Trust is also celebrating its 30th year as a charity.

Kacper on Maple House

Within the last year more than 560 people have selflessly given up an amazing 114,855 hours to help us. They have helped in a variety of ways, from giving support during children's therapy sessions, helping run fundraising events throughout the country, driving, volunteering in our charity shops, and admin duties.

Sarah and Andrew from the School for Profound Education

Our volunteers not only help practically but are an essential part of raising awareness of The Children’s Trust and the work it does. We are the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury and supports hundreds of children and families across the country each year.


We are always keen to hear from anyone interested in volunteering and appreciate all skills from retail, marketing and finance to driving and gardening. If you would like to find out how you can get involved, please visit www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/volunteer or call 01737 365002.

TV star visits The Children's Trust

A popular television personality has made a surprise visit to The Children’s Trust.

Craig with Nathan and Ethan

Craig Phillips, who first rose to fame as the winner of the first series of Big Brother, met children and staff during his tour on Thursday (10 April). He showed an interest in The Children’s Trust’s expertise and asked what is involved in the rehabilitation process for children after sustaining a brain injury.

 The television presenter has been compere for our annual fundraiser, The Supercar Event for several years. So to coincide with his visit, Banstead-based car dealers, Romans International kindly sent down an impressive McLaren for the afternoon’s photo-shoot.

Craig, who has presented several DIY and gardening programmes was shown around the vast grounds available to the children and shown the wheelchair accessible treehouse. “It was fantastic being able to see first-hand the wonderful work that takes place at The Children’s Trust,” he said. “I met some very inspirational children and the committed staff who care for them. The dedication they show to helping these youngsters is clear to see.” He added: “This visit has been on my agenda, having heard so much about the charity’s important work through my involvement in The Supercar Event. "I will certainly be continuing to support The Children’s Trust in whatever way I can.”

Kacper and Craig

Click here to find out more about The Supercar Event, which is being held at the famous Top Gear track on June 21 & 22.

What's acquired brain injury?

Heard the term acquired brain injury or ABI but don’t quite know what it means? If so, read on…

According to NHS England, around 40,000 children sustain an acquired brain injury (ABI) every year as a result of an accident or illness.

Just as each child is unique, so is the way they respond to a brain injury. There are two main types:

• traumatic, caused by a blow to the head such as a road traffic accident or fall
• non-traumatic, caused by illness such as meningitis, a brain tumour or stroke.

But there’s an enormous range of difficulties a child might face – from issues with memory, or speech to serious, long-term, physical and learning disabilities.

Some children on the outside may appear to have made a full physical recovery but they can have considerable challenges with their cognitive, communication, emotional and behavioural skills. Some of the effects may not be noticeable until years after the injury as the brain continues to develop into early adulthood. It’s because the changes and difficulties surrounding ABI are hard to spot that it’s sometimes called the hidden disability.

But there are opportunities for children to get back some of the skills they've lost, through different therapies and support, and that’s where we come in. As the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury, The Children’s Trust works with hundreds of children and young people every year through our residential and community-based services.

We also run the Brain Injury Hub, an online resource for families to learn more about brain injury and share their experiences.

Curious to know more? Visit our website, or email us at enquiries@thechildrenstrust.org.uk

Our BBC Lifeline appeal with Richard Hammond

Richard Hammond is to appear on the BBC’s monthly charity appeal programme, to help raise money for The Children’s Trust.

Lifeline will feature Richard’s visit to The Children’s Trust, where he met children in rehabilitation for a brain injury and sat in on a physiotherapy session.

Richard meeting Top Gear fan Finley 

The Top Gear presenter, who sustained a serious brain injury himself in 2006, is vice president of the charity and will be appealing for viewers to support the cause. The appeal will be aired on the afternoon of March 16 on BBC One. The nine-minute film will also feature the story of four-year-old Charlie Berry, who is receiving rehabilitation at The Children’s Trust and an interview with his mum, Anne-Marie.

Charlie and his Mum, Anne-Marie

Tom Bedwell, 20, who received rehabilitation here as a teenager, will also talk about his experience, along with his grandad, Vic. Remember to tune in to see these powerful and inspirational stories.

Tom and his Grandad, Vic.