Our Story
30+ Years Supporting Families Through Childhood-Acquired Brain Injury
The Child Brain Injury Trust was founded in 1991 by a dedicated group of healthcare professionals committed to understanding and addressing the complex effects of traumatic brain injury on children's developing minds.
What began as a research-focused initiative soon evolved into something much more meaningful when families affected by childhood acquired brain injury joined our mission.
Founded by Healthcare Professionals, Driven by Family Experience
As parents and families became actively involved in shaping our work, we discovered that practical support, emotional guidance, and accessible information were just as crucial as medical research. This family-centred approach transformed our organisation's focus, leading us to become the UK's premier charity for childhood brain injury support.
Today, the Child Brain Injury Trust stands as the leading voluntary sector organisation providing comprehensive support for childhood acquired brain injury throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Our experienced team of professional staff brings specialised expertise, unwavering commitment, and passionate energy to supporting families and professionals every single day.
Families remain at the heart of everything we do, actively participating in our charity's development and growth. Their extraordinary resilience, courage, and insights continue to inspire our work and remind us why this mission matters so deeply. Together, we're building a stronger support network for every child and family affected by brain injury across the UK.
Since 1991, we've been proud to walk alongside thousands of families, turning research into hope and support into lasting change.
Our Vision
A future where all children and young people with an acquired brain injury are diagnosed promptly and receive the support they and their families need to reach their full potential and to have the best quality of life possible.
Our Mission
What we do to deliver our vision:
To reach a wider audience so that families know we are here for them.
To provide individualised support to enable children and their families to move forward following acquired brain injury.
To improve the quality of life of those affected by raising awareness of the impact of a brain injury on the whole family and empower those who can help through provision of education and information.
To provide a powerful, united voice for individuals, families, communities, experts and professionals who know just how devastating childhood acquired brain injury can be.
To influence policy in health, social care, education and youth justice to improve access to support and the quality of support provided.
To raise the funds we need to deliver our vision, inspired by the individuals and families at the heart of the organisation.
Our Values
At the heart of our organisation are the people we exist for. Our values reflect the way we work to achieve our vision…
Integrity – we believe in honesty, professionalism, equality, and transparency.
Compassionate – we place the needs of families at the centre of our work.
Innovative – we seek to adapt and create new ways of working to engage families.
Reflective – we seek feedback and strive to keep learning to ensure we are continually able to respond and improve our work.
Our Vision for the Future
Elevating Families, Enriching Futures
Discover how the Child Brain Injury Trust is transforming childhood brain injury support across the UK through our ambitious 2024-2029 strategic plan. With 40,000 children acquiring brain injuries annually, we're expanding our specialized services to include early intervention programs, community inclusion initiatives, virtual support groups, and comprehensive educational advocacy. Our innovative approach combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate care, ensuring every family affected by childhood acquired brain injury receives the expert support they deserve. From enhanced counselling services to stronger partnerships with healthcare professionals, we're building a future where resilience, growth, and hope define every family's journey after brain injury.
Ready to learn more about our transformative vision? Download our full strategic plan and join us in elevating families and enriching futures across the UK.
Our History
1991
Charity founded – Oxford Radcliffe Hospital.
1995
Charity provides information and support groups across the country.
2003
Lisa Turan appointed CEO.
Support groups in Oxford & Leeds.
Scotland’s Invisible Children published.
2006
CBIT became an incorporated charity
CBIT starts delivering training to professionals
CBIT is a finalist for the COOP Film Award – Who do You Think You Are
2008
Launched Child and Family Support model strategy to provide holistic support
Child & family Support Officer appointed in Newcastle
Child & family Support Officer appointed in Oxford
CBIT host 1st paediatric conference in Birmingham
2011
Helpline launched
The Criminal Justice Acquired Brian Injury Interest Group launches
2015
Child & Family Support model provides support to 500 families
2017
CBIT celebrates Child and Family Support roll out across the UK
London team is introduced to hospitals
Legal Service Partnership is launched
CBIT records £1m income
2018
2020
COVID hits – services are transformed to virtual support
CBIT provides support to 1,400 families
2021
2025
Launch of our new five year strategy
Launch of our newly restructured Legal Support Service
Your Donation Changes Lives
Acquired brain injury can happen to any child, at any moment, and when it does, it changes everything for the whole family.
The Child Brain Injury Trust is here to make sure no child or family faces the journey of acquired brain injury alone.