News

Paul’s job milestone in fightback from brain injury

Paul Belk at workNeuro Partners Service User PAUL Belk (and his family) are celebrating another milestone in his “remarkable” recovery from a life-shattering brain injury.

The South Shields student was left paralysed and unable to talk when his drink was spiked during a backpacking trip to Thailand in August 2005.

He was in a coma for three months, and given just a two per cent chance of recovery. Now, he is living independently and has started work as a business administration apprentice at Northumbria NHS Healthcare Foundation Trust in North Tyneside.

His Mum Carol, said: “It is just part-time because we have got to think about fatigue – it is the first time they have done this, so he is a bit of a guinea pig! It is great that they are being flexible. His hours fit around his physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions.

“He couldn’t do it without his support workers at Neuro Partners, because they take him and bring him back.”

Paul was discharged from full-time residential care 18 months ago, and now lives in a specially-adapted bungalow in South Shields.

He still receives several hours of physiotherapy and occupational therapy each week, together with a large amount of support from Neuro Partners.

The family are desperate for both of these things to continue because Paul’s still making progress. It defies the medical viewpoint that you have got a two-year window and if you don’t do anything in the two years, you have had it. It is not true. It’s all down to Paul’s determination and the support he receives.

It used to take four people to help him move. Now it just takes one person checking with the walking frame.

Paul, a former music degree student, continues to use a wheelchair and has just taken delivery of a titanium model, which is lighter and easier to turn.

His next aim is to get on an access course and return to university.

Mrs Belk added: “It is incredible, considering at the beginning he was given a two per cent chance of recovering. We were told to let him go in a home and die. It is just nothing short of remarkable.”

The recent involvement of neurological care provider, Neuro Partners, in his rehabilitation has been a positive move, she added, as its emphasis is on meeting his ongoing needs.

She said: “It is not about maintaining Paul at the level he is at now, it is about keeping him moving and having goals.”

The community team at Neuro Partners are delighted with Paul’s progress and look forward to many months ahead continuing along his rehabilitation pathway. Paul is a huge asset to the Company, and it’s great to hear success stories like this.

Full article published on Friday 8 February 2013 in the Shields Gazette – http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/paul-s-job-milestone-in-fightback-from-brain-injury-1-5395244

Max carried the Olympic torch!

Student, Max, was absolutely delighted when he realised he was one of the chosen few to carry the Olympic Torch when the flame reached York in June.

The Olympic Flame will be initially lit in Greece and arrives in the UK on 18 May 2012.  8,000 torchbearers will carry the Flame through more than 1,000 cities, towns and villages in the UK, representing peace, unity and friendship.  As it makes its way on the 70-day journey across the UK, the Torchbearers’ personal stories will have the power to inspire millions of people watching from around the world.

Max, 19, has Asperger’s syndrome and epilepsy and attends the University of York, where he is studying his second year Mathematics degree, supported by Neuro Partners who provide a study buddy, mentoring, study skills and social care support.

Max was nominated to carry the torch by his dad, who sent an application form and a CV to the Olympic committee which contained details of Max’s Duke of Edinburgh Awards, his former charity work in India, and representing York University in karate tournaments.

In October 2011 Max was advised that his nomination was being considered, and then in December his place was confirmed.

Max told Neuro Partners; “I am very excited. This is the first Olympic Games to be held in this country during my lifetime, and it’s an honour to be able to participate in the ceremony. I am very glad to be given the chance.

“I’m not worried about running a mile because I train three times a week with karate and I’ve done a lot of walking at weekends, especially when I was completing my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.”

Our congratulations to Max who carried the torch approximately 1 mile in the York area on 18 June 2012.

New Autism and Aspergers social support group launched!

A new social group has been launched for individuals living with Autism and Asperger syndrome within our Cumbria region.

The support group was set up by James Greenop, who has Aspergers, as a result of a lack of support groups in the Penrith region.

Working alongside Nicola Simpson, one of our Occupational Therapists, the initial meeting was held in May 2012. Due to the success of the meeting, the long-term goal is to make it a regular event. The meetings are held on the last Wednesday of every month and are in a pub setting so that anyone can drop in for chat over a drink or food.  A regular programme of activities is also being established which so far includes, bowling, quiz night and archery.

Anyone interested can drop in on the night or contact Nicola on 01228 635551 or NSimpson@neuropartners.co.uk.

CRB Services

Neuro Partners offer a totally independent, professional, registered umbrella body for any organisations not registered with the Criminal Records Bureau, who require access to information from the disclosure service, at competitive prices.

Our services are available to any organisation providing services within a regulated activity, nationwide.

Our current services include:

Standard

For certain occupations and for entry into professions as specified in the Exceptions Order to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Standard Disclosures show current and spent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings held on the Police National Computer.

Enhanced Disclosure

This is the highest level of check available to anyone involved in regularly caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of children or vulnerable adults. It is also available in certain licensing purposes and judicial appointments. Enhanced Disclosures contain the same information as the Standard Disclosure but with the addition of any relevant and proportionate information held by the local police forces.

ISA Adult First Check

ISA Adult First is a service provided by the CRB that can be used in cases where, exceptionally, and in accordance with the terms of Department of Health guidance, a person is permitted to start work with vulnerable adults before a CRB Certificate has been obtained. This applies to adult services such as care homes, domiciliary care agencies and adult placement schemes where CRB Certificates are required by law.

This service is only available to organisations who are eligible to access the ISA’s Adult barred list and who have requested a check of the barred lists on their Disclosure application form. ISA Adult First is not a substitute for a CRB Certificate and providers must take care when making recruitment decisions prior to receiving a full CRB Certificate. ISA Adult First checks should be used only in exceptional circumstances and when absolutely necessary.

An ISA Adult First check is not appropriate where a person intends to work with both children and adults. Those working with both groups will need to wait for the CRB Certificate to be returned to find out whether a person is barred from working with children. There is no equivalent quick check of the children’s barred list.

For further details, please email enquiries@neuropartners.co.uk

Hats for Headway Event

OPEN DAY

in support of Hats for Headway

Friday 18 May 2012

For more details Click here

To reserve your place Click here and return to grampassard@neuropartners.co.uk

For further information about sponsorship opportunities Click here