CHILDREN'S HEAD INJURY
TRUSTThe Children's Head Injury Trust is a national charity dedicated to helping
children with traumatic brain injury and their families. Its remit extends to
other forms of acquired brain damage, on a discretionary basis, if there is no
more appropriate organisation. The charity aims to increase understanding of the problems of these children
within the professions and the general public, and campaigns for improved
treatment, rehabilitation, and educational and social provision. The central
office provides information and advice including referral of questions
requiring specialist knowledge. Publications in the language of the layman
include an Information Pack (free to families) containing leaflets that explain
what may happen at the acute stage, rehabilitation and long-term problems; a
booklet about the difficulties of children returning to school; and another
written for teenage siblings (one for younger children is in preparation) and
another about adapting a home for a disabled child. Other activities include a database of specialist provision for
rehabilitation and education - both very scarce. There are a growing number of
local Support Groups which bring families and professionals together, and where
no Group exists, contacts are facilitated between individuals who request this.
Meetings are organised to suit information needs at various levels and there is
a Newsletter twice a year. Membership of CHIT is open to anyone with a personal
or professional interest in supporting the aims and objects of the charity. A Hardship Fund specifically for the families of children (0-18) with
traumatic brain injury (including stroke) is financed by a grant from the
National Lottery Charities Board until the end of March 2002. Grants are at two
levels: up to £500 for general hardship caused by the child's injury,
travel to medical facilities and small items; and up to £5,000 towards
such things as nursing and social care, specialist therapy, temporary
educational support, equipment and adaptations. There is also a small Research
Fund.
Children's Head Injury Trust
c/o Neurosurgery
The Radcliffe Infirmary
Woodstock Road
Oxford
OX2 6HE  01865 224786
 01865 224786
 http://glaxocentre.merseyside.org/CHIT.html
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