Being young with a brain injury during lockdowns

In 2019 the RHN opened Haberdashers House, a specialist transitional unit for 11 young people with brain injuries moving from paediatric care into adult long-term care.

Due to their complex health needs, and the restrictions caused by the pandemic, these young people have had little opportunity to access the wider community, therefore the community had to go to them. Haberdashers House has an onsite activity and leisure programme delivered by the activity coordinators. It includes wheelchair dancing, sensory stories, pampering sessions, baking, games, wheelchair football and arts and crafts.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic the residents visited the local pub, London Zoo, the local shopping centre, and Richmond Park. Each of these trips required a full support team including a registered nurse, health care assistants and various items of medical equipment.

Making this transition can be challenging for young people and their families, so providing a safe, homely and welcoming environment is crucial to ease the transition process. Despite profound and significant health challenges, the young adults resident in Haberdashers House are supported to access the community as much as possible.

You are read more about the activities in Haberdasher’s House in our latest supporters’ newsletter here