Right to Rehab: Fighting for Equal Access to Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is a critical component of recovery for individuals with brain injuries and long-term health conditions. It helps people regain their independence, improve their quality of life, and return to work or daily activities. However, for many across the UK, accessing this essential service is far from guaranteed. Rehabilitation has become a postcode lottery, with availability varying drastically depending on where someone lives.

At Headway Sussex, we believe that everyone deserves access to the rehabilitation they need, for as long as they need it, and we’re standing in support of the national Right to Rehab campaign, which calls for universal access to community rehabilitation.

The Gaps in Rehabilitation Access

Many people with brain injuries or long-term conditions cannot afford private rehabilitation services. Without access to appropriate care, their physical and mental health can decline, and they may find themselves unable to return to work or live independently. This creates a cycle of repeated hospital or GP visits, further burdening the NHS. The current system falls short of the NHS Constitution’s promise to provide comprehensive, universal care for everyone in need.

Rehabilitation, particularly community-based rehabilitation, is essential for recovery. It helps people regain motor skills, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. For those recovering from illness or injury, it is often the difference between returning to an active, fulfilling life and a prolonged struggle with health issues. When community rehabilitation is unavailable or inaccessible, the system fails to be comprehensive or fair. Health inequalities deepen, and vulnerable people are left without the support they need.

What is the Right to Rehab Campaign?

The Right to Rehab campaign calls for an end to these inequalities by pushing for universal access to rehabilitation services. The campaign highlights personal stories from rehab patients, demonstrating how early and consistent rehabilitation can change lives. It encourages people to share their “first steps” in recovery—milestones that showcase the transformative power of rehabilitation.

The campaign also features a radio advert voiced by Richard Hammond, who himself required months of specialist rehabilitation following a traumatic brain injury sustained during a high-speed crash while filming Top Gear in 2006. His voiceover underscores the importance of ensuring rehabilitation is available to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

How You Can Get Involved

We believe that rehabilitation should be a right, not a privilege. There are several ways you can support the Right to Rehab campaign and help raise awareness about the importance of universal access:

• Sign the petition: Add your voice to the growing movement calling for equal access to rehabilitation. You can sign the petition at petitionforrehab.com.
• Share your rehab story: If you’ve been on a rehabilitation journey, we encourage you to share your story on social media using the hashtags #RightToRehab and #RehabLegend. Personal experiences can inspire others and bring more attention to this critical issue.
• Spread the word: Raise awareness by sharing campaign resources, including the radio advert and patient stories. The more people know about this issue, the greater the impact we can have.

Why It Matters

At Headway Sussex, we see firsthand how life-changing rehabilitation can be for individuals and their families. We work tirelessly to support those affected by brain injuries and other neurological conditions, but we know that without a fair and equitable rehabilitation system, many will continue to fall through the cracks. That’s why we are proud to stand with the Right to Rehab campaign in advocating for a healthcare system that truly serves everyone.

To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit the Headway UK website: Right to Rehab.

Let’s ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to accessing the care they need to rebuild their lives.