A Day in the Life with Sophia Pettenuzzo, Brain Injury Linkworker

We were delighted to chat with Sophia Pettenuzzo, who is one of our Brain Injury Linkworkers, to find out about her role working with people in prison and on probation.

Sophia told us about a typical day and what she finds rewarding.

What is the Brain Injury Linkworker Service?

The Brain Injury Linkworker Service (BILS) is delivered by Assistant Psychologists (Linkworkers) under the supervision of Clinical Psychologists/Neuropsychologists. Linkworkers work with people in prison and on probation who have a history indicative of brain injury. They provide structured, one‑to‑one psychological interventions to help individuals understand how brain injury can impact emotions, cognition and behaviour.

Additionally, Linkworkers facilitate access to other services by offering joint sessions and making onward referrals, such as mental health teams and resettlement teams.

What interested you about the Brain Injury Linkworker role at Brainkind?

Following my degree in Psychology and English Studies, I completed a Masters in Psychological Research with a focus on neuropsychology. I am passionate about supporting people with brain injury to understand their condition, develop meaningful coping strategies and navigate daily challenges with greater confidence.

What does a typical day look like?

In the morning I usually check the system for new referrals and offer initial assessment appointments. The assessments allow me to gather information to determine whether someone has a history that is indicative of a brain injury. After lunch, the afternoon consists of intervention sessions. I work collaboratively with individuals towards goals that they have set, for example strategies to remember appointments, managing frustration, pre-release planning.

I have weekly clinical supervision with a Clinical Psychologist/Neuropsychologist and regular meetings with my manager. Our Linkworker team, though geographically spread out, meets regularly for peer support and discussion. As it is a unique role, sharing experiences with colleagues in other prisons and probation settings is invaluable.

What do you find rewarding about your job?

I find it especially rewarding when people talk about the difference that the sessions have made to their day-to-day life. I enjoy hearing about the positive outcomes that staff report as it shows the broader impact of the work.

“You’ve been understanding, patient, and respectful, and I’ve enjoyed this. I’ve actually had fun in these sessions.”

“The sessions have made me mindful of things I would otherwise overlook about my injury.”

“As his key facilitator, I have 1-1 sessions with […] at the end of each module and he is engaging well, so these tips have been really helpful.” 

To find out more about our award-winning Brain Injury Linkworker Service and its impact, click here.