The Children’s Trust was honoured with a top award at the prestigious BMA Patient Information Awards this week (25 September). The charity, which supports children with brain injury across the UK, had two of its resources, a short film and a handbook, recognised as exceptional and powerful information sources at the ceremony which took place at BMA House, London.

The Awards encourage excellence in the production and dissemination of accessible, well-designed and clinically balanced patient information.  This is something The Children’s Trust is also passionate about when producing information that will help young people and families affected by brain injury

The charity’s short film ‘From Me to You’ won the User Engagement Award, with judges noting it as ‘powerful’ and ‘heart-warming’. The film was created with three families telling their experiences honestly and openly to help future children and families going to the centre for neurorehabilitation with what they can expect while they are there. The film can be viewed here: www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/frommetoyou

Also recognised at the awards was The Children’s Trust book ‘Me and My Brain’. This book, which gives advice and guidance to teenagers affected by brain injury, was awarded Runner Up in the Information for Young Adults Award, and shortlisted for the User Engagement Award. Judges noted that it was an ‘exceptional resource’ and that ‘the advice given is practical, sensible and non-judgemental.’  Copies of the book can be ordered here: www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/books

Angela Robertshaw, Head of Communications & External Affairs at The Children’s Trust said:  “We are very proud that The Children’s Trust’s information resources were recognised at the BMA Patient Information Awards.  We work very hard to ensure our information is clear and trustworthy and we are so pleased that the judging panel felt that these two new resources were well produced and helpful for families.  

“We were particularly pleased to have been awarded the User Engagement Award for the way we involved young people and families in creating both the film and book. Ensuring the children and families are at the heart of everything we do is really important to us, and we would like to thank everyone who contributed to these projects.”

BMA President, Professor Dinesh Bhugra CBE, said: “The BMA are privileged to be able to host the Patient Information Awards 2018 with this year’s recipients showcasing the very highest standard of innovative, well-designed and carefully balanced patient information.

“This is a great opportunity to recognise the importance and value of the resources available to patients, which as highlighted by the winners and runners up today, can be a great source of support, comfort and practical guidance for patients throughout challenging times.”

Maria Coyle, Information Manager at The Children’s Trust and author of Me and My Brain said: “We listened to what teenagers had to say and the types of information they wanted after having a brain injury. They played a huge part in developing and shaping Me and My Brain, along with clinical experts at The Children’s Trust.  We’ve had feedback from young people that the book has helped empower them in managing the effects of their brain injury and this is exactly what we were aiming for.”