During Action for Brain Injury Week, led by Headway’s #WeSeeYou campaign, Senior Associate Venetia Thomas shines a light on one issue that too often goes unseen – loneliness.
“As a Court of Protection lawyer, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact that brain injury can have beyond the clinical diagnosis.
For many of our clients, a brain injury can lead to the breakdown of family relationships, friendships, employment and community connections. The result can be profound isolation.
Sometimes, the phone call from a client may be far more important than it first appears. It can go from them “just wanting a chat” to a difficult, frustrated call where emotions spill over. For some, it may be the only meaningful contact they have that day or even week.
The impact has been heartbreaking
In a recent case, I have been advocating for a young adult client whose care package was significantly reduced, leaving her with just one care call a day and little to no access to her community. The impact has been heartbreaking, with increasing loneliness and suicidal ideation.
Alongside her multi-disciplinary team, we have worked hard to find meaningful support. Our team has engaged a befriending service and helped her access volunteering opportunities. She is now beginning to rebuild confidence, purpose and connection.
We have a responsibility to not only advocate for funding and care, but also for connection, dignity and belonging.
As professionals, we must recognise that loneliness is more than a social issue – it is also a wellbeing issue. We have a responsibility to not only advocate for funding and care, but also for connection, dignity and belonging.
This week, I am supporting Headway’s campaign to raise awareness of the hidden loneliness experienced after brain injury.”