Practical issues

Driving after brain injury

You must tell the DVLA if you have a serious head injury. Ask your doctor if you’re not sure if your head injury is serious and will affect your driving. you can find the form to report your head injury on the GOV.UK website

North East Drive Mobility is a Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust service based at Walkergate Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. It provides independent assessment and advice to people with a medical condition, or disability, which may affect their ability to drive, or use a vehicle as a passenger.

Applying for a Blue Badge

Blue Badges help people with disabilities or health conditions park closer to their destination. Did you know that Blue Badge holders can access the Tyne Tunnel free of charge? Some people automatically qualify for a Blue Badge depending on the benefits they receive. Other people may be eligible depending on their circumstances. To find out if you’re eligible and/or apply for a badge for yourself or on behalf of somebody else, please visit the GOV.UK website

Accessible vehicles and scooters

Motability is a UK charity which runs the Motability Scheme intended to enable disabled people, their families and their carers to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair, using their disability benefit. For more information, please visit their website

Wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) ensure a wheelchair user can safely and comfortably travel in their wheelchair. There are several different types of WAV and many ways in which to access them. For more information please visit the Allied Mobility website

Access to transport

After a brain injury, some people are no longer able to drive. They may have to surrender their driving licence or perhaps simply don’t feel confident enough to get behind the wheel again. Suddenly finding yourself without access to a car can lead to feelings of isolation and may make it hard to do tasks such as shopping, attending appointments and socialising. Public transport can therefore be a lifeline for many, granting independence and freedom. For information on accessibility, managing the hidden effects of a brain injury, and to find out if you’re eligible for discounted travel, please see Stop the bus! A guide to public transport on the Headway website. Yu can also contact the North East and Cumbria Hubs Mobility Advice Service

Welfare benefits

A brain injury is likely to influence a family’s finances and claiming benefits can help to ease the pressure. The system is complex and can be confusing, so it is important to get professional advice and to apply as soon as possible so you don’t lose money. This page on the Headway website will provide an overview of some of the benefits you can claim, taking into account some of the recent changes in the welfare system.

Turn2us is a national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially.Turn2us helps people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help – online, by phone and face to face through partner organisations. For more information explore their website

Making changes to your home

Our Occupational therapists will assess any new needs you have and make sure that everything at home is safe and appropriate for you. This might include small adaptations like grab rails or providing a shower chair. Larger adaptations might be necessary such as widening doorways, providing ramps or a stairlift or making changes to your bathroom. These are all carefully discussed with you, your family and landlord, where appropriate.

Relocation services

Due to your circumstances, you may be looking for permanent social housing outside your local area. Homefinder UK is a national web-based housing mobility service that gives people hope and the chance of a fresh start. It enables social housing tenants to look for homes outside their local authority area. More information can be found on their website