A new year, a new, safer society?

Abstract

British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing February/March 2011 Vol 7 No 1 British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing February/March 2011 Vol 7 No 1 458 2011 has been a busy year already. It is clear that vital services provided by statutory, third sector and private providers are undoubtedly going to be threatened, reduced or amalgamated. The massive shake up of the benefits system will challenge us all in ensuring that the most vulnerable in society are supported and protected. Local councils and community groups continue to question the validity of the coalition plans to develop a ‘Big Society’ while reducing the ability of these organizations to support the huge number of volunteers and unpaid carers that essentially keep the system going. The outlook for the prevention and support of people with brain injuries is not without hope and progress. On 31 January 2011, members of the Northern Ireland Assembly voted in favour of a bill to make the wearing of bicycle helmets compulsory. This follows a similar success in Jersey in 2010. The bill will need to go through a number of stages before it becomes law. If the law passes, cyclists of all ages not wearing helmets will face a fine of £50, which would be rescinded on proof of a subsequent purchase of a helmet. The Private Members Bill was introduced by Pat Ramsey MLA with support from Headway. Reducing the incidence rates of acute brain injury is a key priority in the recently launched Headway Scottish Manifesto. In the run-up to the Scottish Parliament elections, Headway is calling on all political parties to support this important manifesto and improve the lives of the thousands of people in Scotland affected by brain injury. Other elements of the manifesto include recognizing the effect of acute brain injury on families and to listen to those affected, to deliver the services that people affected by acute brain injury need, to provide joined-up service delivery and to remove the frustrating barriers faced by those affected by acute brain injury. We continue to celebrate in these achievements and to work positively with decision makers on behalf of our services users, carers and families, and will keep reporting back on these successes, keeping brain injury firmly on the national agenda.