01580 752275
hello@head-first.org
Training We Deliver
We provide support worker inductions, safeguarding, brain injury awareness, and masterclasses for professionals on topics of interest in brain injury. Our expert-led sessions are designed to facilitate discussion and interaction, and we can provide training on request.
ABI Awareness Training
This course is designed for new Support Workers, Case Managers, Supervisors and Legal Representatives with little or no experience in Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). It is also suitable for anyone with a personal interest in ABI, who would like to develop a better understanding of this silent epidemic. To find out more contact us at hello@head-first.org or contact on 01580 752275.
Raising Awareness
For over 20 years we hosted an annual conference, exploring current themes and new research relevant to both clinical and legal professionals in the field of brain injury.
Our Case Managers regularly present at national conferences and participate in UK forums on the development of brain injury services, reflecting our company-wide commitment to ongoing education and awareness-raising.
Training & Presentations
Our Case Managers regularly deliver talks, training sessions and presentations across a range of settings, sharing their expertise in Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and related areas.
Below is a selection of events and presentations our team has been invited to contribute to.
We are always keen to collaborate and to provide high‑quality talks, training and presentations tailored to your audience. If you would like to find out more about what we can offer, please do get in touch.
Jo Clark-Wilson
Founder, Company Director
Katherine Smith
Brain Injury Case Manager
A Spotlight on Women in Brain Injury
Jo and Katherine presented at the Women in Focus event hosted by Deka Chambers, exploring key issues in injury litigation involving women. The session offered insight into their experience of supporting women living with brain injury, highlighting the importance of tailored, person-centred approaches and raising awareness of the unique challenges faced.
Wendy Irons
Brain Injury Case Manager
Reaching Across the Divide
Wendy Presented at the BISWG No Man’s Land Conference, addressing the challenges and benefits of collaborative working between local authorities, NHS services, and private case managers to support adults with acquired brain injuries. The session highlighted practical ways to bridge gaps, coordinate care, and improve outcomes.
Daryl McMullon
Brain Injury Case Manager
Empowering Dreams
Daryl presented at BABICM’s Paediatrics: Bridging the Gap Conference, exploring the dual role of parent and case manager. Drawing on lived experience as the parent of a child with a brain injury and professional work supporting families, he shared the parent perspective within an MDT and how it can strengthen collaboration and outcomes.
Emily de Vulder
Senior Brain Injury Case Manager
Practical Strategies for Risk Management and Crisis Response
Emily presented at BABICM’s When Worlds Collide Conference. She explored early risk identification and intervention and crisis management, as well as a multifaceted, dynamic approach to risk assessment in case management, including proactive strategies to mitigate identified risks.
Dr Mark Holloway
Senior Brain Injury Case Manager, Expert Witness, Post Doctoral Researcher
Katherine Smith
Brain Injury Case Manager
Brain Injury Awareness Training
Mark and Katherine delivered training on brain injury awareness at Thomson Snell & Passmore, introducing how the brain works and what changes after injury. The session covered the uninjured and injured brain, everyday impacts, reasons behaviour can change, effects on families, top tips for communication, and an overview of what case management involves.
Assessments
Initial Case Management Assessments, Immediate Needs Assessments under the Rehab Code, Mental Capacity Assessments, and specialist standalone assessment reports as required.
Expert Witness Services
Expert Witness reports for the Court on rehabilitation, care and case management.
Conferences & Training
Delivering specialist brain injury training, speaking at events, and serving on national committees to raise awareness.
Case Study
Enabling a life of comfort, connection, and meaning after severe injury
AB, a highly creative and skilled craftsperson, sustained a severe traumatic brain injury in a road traffic collision in 2016 when she was in her 30’s and had a young child. After lifesaving treatment and 18 months in a prolonged disorder of consciousness unit, she was assessed to be in a minimally conscious state with complex physical, cognitive, and medical needs.
Facilitating quality of life and autonomy through specialist brain injury case management
Summary of injury and rehab pathway
RTA in 1988 followed by specialist rehabilitation for 2-3 years, moving on to a longer stay accommodation at the rehab unit. At his request he then moved to his own house with minimal support until a gradual deterioration led to an emergency hospital admission in 2015, as which point case management was sought by his Deputy.
Memberships
