Bart at Irwin Mitchell’s brain injury conference

By Elisa
Posted: 29/07/2024

On Thursday 4 July we joined solicitors Irwin Mitchell’s brain injury conference, which focused on independence and what it means from the perspectives of medical professionals, survivors and their family members. 

Our member Bart de Putter, who joined Headway East London in 2017 after a road accident, was one of the speakers, delivering an insightful presentation on his experience of brain injury, recovery and what independence means for him:

Independence for me means you can make individual decisions and be accountable for them. There have been times when I was completely dependent on my doctors and family, who literally keep you alive. But when you start the recovery process, you need to get your freedom back. Things that help me to feel independent are having a support worker or coming to Headway and having opportunities to share my story. 
Bart de Putter
Member

Bart was speaking to an audience of legal and health professionals who specialise in providing support to people living with brain injury. 

But there is no substitute for lived experience. Through our member-led training, we provide a platform for our members to educate brain injury sector professionals about what it’s live to live with a brain injury, and what changes and support are most important to them.

It was a good feeling, I felt part of a community. It’s a great opportunity to be able to share your story, but it’s even better if you are speaking to an audience that is so knowledgeable and focused on providing support to people living with brain injury. 
Bart de Putter
Member

Amongst the many other interesting presentations at the conference, one of the presenters was one of Bart’s doctors who he met many years ago! 

Bart left feeling elated and knowing he would want to do this again, but also that he wants others with a brain injury to have these opportunities to share their stories. So what words of encouragement would Bart say to someone who wants to consider training others about brain injury?

I would advise anyone to go on stage with confidence, knowing that the most important thing is what you want to say and not what people may think about it.
Bart de Putter
Member

Thank you Irwin Mitchell for providing Bart with this fantastic space to share his story. 

Bring on the next conference in 2025!

Irwin Mitchell Conference 04.07.24 © Antoxleyphoto

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