Well what a week we have had at the Child Brain Injury Trust! Our staff and supporters travelled from all over the UK to join us for our annual conference on Tuesday 6th March in Birmingham.

Now in its 12th year our conference continues to go from strength to strength, each year we include a range of speakers to share their experience and knowledge.

“such a truly inspiring organisation and an honour to speak today! @cbituk thank you” (Rebecca, Speaker)

It’s an opportunity to hear from parents and carers about the challenges faced by young people with an acquired brain injury. It isn’t easy to stand in front of a room full of strangers and talk about your family life, so massive thanks to the parents who volunteered to share their stories.

“Today I delivered a personal story of brain injury as a survivor, parent & researcher. I’d just like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support, encouragement & kind words. Many delegates talked to me and I’m grateful to everyone who connected” (Jo, Mum)

There were also professionals specialising in music therapy, case management, rehabilitation and magic therapy to name a few, yes you read it right magic therapy! Where children learn magic to improve coordination and movement gaining confidence and independence. The difference this therapy made to children’s lives was very powerful and we haven’t stopped talking about it since.

One parent tweeted us after the event to say, “The conference was so Inspirational to me and my young son. We have learned a lot from medical perspective to knowing we are not alone as well as some helpful tips for the future. Thank you for having us and continue with the amazing work”

Of course we cannot put together an event of this scale without the support of our Sponsors and Exhibitors. The opportunity to get so many experts together to share research and experience is very important to us, and we couldn’t do it without you!

“This was a great day of talks. Nearly 30 years a social worker and its good to still be learning from people” (Louise, Social Worker)

The event is also a chance for all our staff to get together, we’re scattered right across the UK and the opportunity to meet everyone else and build connections (our theme for 2018) is very beneficial. Albie even made an appearance in a very snazzy suit!  At the team day the day after the conference we looked at the plans going forward for the next 12 months and it’s fair to say 2018 is going to be an exciting year for the Child Brain Injury Trust.