Plans for new lifeline brain injury initiative to replace axed service
Renfrewshire residents living with an acquired brain injury, who faced losing an “invaluable” service, could land a lifeline as a replacement option is now being considered.
A new community-led model of support is in the pipeline and will be discussed at Renfrewshire Council’s leadership board today – weeks after it was announced Quarriers’ head injury service would close in June.
An initial £90,000 has been found within the council’s coffers for the initiative, which, according to a report, could ensure “holistic” help can remain available for people with a brain injury and their families.
Service users would be involved in developing the new model, which would include support around issues ranging from employability and income advice to health and wellbeing and social isolation.
Depute council leader Jacqueline Cameron, who is also chair of the Fairer Renfrewshire sub-committee, said: “Our SNP group heard from many individuals and family members who were extremely worried that not only their service was closing, but that there was nowhere else for them to go.
“People who have sustained an acquired brain injury have their lives turned upside down overnight and support for them at this time is crucial.
“We recognised that this was an invaluable service for people when they are at their most vulnerable and I am delighted that we are able to propose a new service.”
At the end of March, Dr Ron Culley, Quarriers CEO, said the charity was “extremely disappointed” the council and Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership was “unable to continue” funding its head injury service.
The charity, which provides support for people aged between 16 and 65, is not accepting new referrals because it will be closing on June 7.
Dr Culley said: “The Paisleybased service has been a lifeline for individuals facing life-changing challenges after acquiring a brain injury.
“Our service has been pivotal in supporting individuals and their families to navigate the complexities of what is often a new reality, providing crucial one-to-one support to assist them in rebuilding their lives.”
Speaking about the new service, Councillor Cameron, who represents Johnstone South and Elderslie and is the SNP candidate for Paisley and
Renfrewshire South in the upcoming general election, added: “As the council already provided the children’s side of the service, it made sense for us to fund this fully.
“It is also really important to me that those with lived experience help shape the service, as they are the experts in knowing what will meet their needs.”
Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said: “I had the pleasure of meeting some of those service users over recent weeks and was left in no doubt about the strength of feeling about the centre and the need for the service to continue.
“I want to thank all those constituents for sitting down with me – and I hope this is the result they were looking for.”
We recognised that this was an invaluable service... I’m delighted we are able to propose a new one