About The Acquired Brain Injury Trust
Background
The Acquired Brain Injury Trust (Charity No 1159543), then known as the Acquired Aphasia Trust, was formed as a registered charity in 1991 to raise funds to support the work of the Acquired Brain Injury Education Service (ABIES). ABIES is virtually unique in providing a community based service for those who had suffered a brain injury. The Trustees received a lottery grant to create a purpose built centre, owned by the Trust, in the grounds of what is now South Worcestershire College in Evesham.
The Trust raised money to fund the salaries of three members of ABIES staff, who were employed by the College. Over the course of ten years, no less than £700,000 was raised by the Trust from grant-giving trusts and foundations and from local fundraising. As well as funding these salaries, the donations were used to help students who were unable to pay course fees, to provide equipment, and to part-fund a mini-bus. Students were based either at the Acquired Brain Injury Centre in Evesham, or at other further education colleges around Worcestershire, with staff being advised and supported by the specialist staff from ABIES. A total of more than 150 students in any one year were able to access specially designed courses in subjects ranging from literacy and IT to horticulture, art, woodwork and healthy living.
Plans For The Future
After a difficult year, the Trust is moving forward to refocus its work, review its legal status and constitution, and adjust the services it provides to respond to changed circumstances and ensure that those with an acquired brain injury can continue to receive specialist support.
The Trustees decided that the Acquired Aphasia Trust was a name which, though accurate, was little understood by non-specialists. The Charity Commission agreed to a change of name, and from 1 April 2015 the Trust will be a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO), the Acquired Brain Injury Trust (registered number 1159543). The Trustees are most grateful for the help and advice provided by Mr. David Greer of solicitors Thomson and Bancks in facilitating this change.
The Trust has applied to Worcestershire County Council to receive support through their Changing Futures Fund, and Trustees will have guidance on “New Ways of Working” in their determination to take the Trust forward and repeat their former success. Partnership between the Acquired Brain Injury Trust and South Worcestershire College is crucial to supporting brain injured students and the Trustees hope that regular dialogue between the two organisations will ensure that both work in the best interests of the students. Trustees will ensure that the views of students and their families are heard. They see their role as providing funds for such essentials as transport, help with course fees if needed, equipment such as laptops, and of course in continuing to provide the safe and welcoming environment of the ABI Centre, which is much valued by students.
Download our Report and Accounts (right click on the link and select ‘Save As’)> ABIT Report and Accounts 2015