We are all in this together: tackling isolation after brain injury

At Brainkind, we have a series of Rehab Mantras, which summarise important principles of neurorehabilitation – for us to consider how they are linked to our practice.  One of these mantras is “We are all in this together”.

This simple but powerful mantra reflects the reality that rehabilitation is not something that happens in isolation. It is transdisciplinary – bringing together the person with a brain injury, their family and friends, professionals, and the wider community. Each plays a vital role in supporting someone to rebuild their life and live it well.

This collective approach is particularly important when we consider one of the most significant yet often hidden consequences of brain injury: isolation and loneliness.

Evidence from Headway shows that loneliness is incredibly common after brain injury, with almost 90% of survivors and carers reporting feeling lonely despite not experiencing it before. Social lives often change dramatically – over half of survivors are no longer socially active in the same way as before, and many report losing contact with friends or feeling excluded from social opportunities.

This isolation is rarely a choice. The effects of brain injury – such as fatigue, memory difficulties, anxiety, and challenges in busy or noisy environments – can make every day social interactions overwhelming. At the same time, changes in confidence and identity can leave people feeling misunderstood or disconnected, even when they are not alone.

That is why the Brainkind mantra, ‘We are all in this together’, matters so much. Overcoming isolation is not the responsibility of the individual alone. It requires a shared effort: professionals adapting rehabilitation approaches, families and friends maintaining connection and understanding, and communities becoming more inclusive and aware of hidden disabilities.

When we truly work together, rehabilitation becomes more than recovery of function – it becomes a pathway back to belonging. Through supportive relationships, meaningful activities, and inclusive environments, people with brain injury can rebuild confidence, reconnect with others, and rediscover their place in the world.

“Malcolm’s love of reading and writing” 

• Malcolm uses reading and writing as a bridge back into the world
• Support from staff helped him regain confidence in communicating with others 
• Illustrates how purposeful activity combats loneliness 

This story shows how personalised rehabilitation can tackle isolation by reconnecting people with their passions, creating opportunities for communication, confidence-building and social interaction.

“I felt special and was a princess for the day!” – Wendy’s 70th birthday celebrations 

Wendy’s 70th birthday celebration highlights the powerful role that personalised care and meaningful social experiences play in ensuring the people we support are connected and included. Staff created a memorable, person-centred celebration to show Wendy just how much she is valued.

The event brought people together, creating a sense of community and joy, while ensuring that Wendy’s enjoyment was at the forefront of her celebration. Her description of feeling like “a princess for the day” captures the emotional impact of the experience—showing how a well-planned social moment can significantly enhance wellbeing and connection.

Ultimately, “we are all in this together” is not just a principle – it is a call to action. By working collaboratively, we can help ensure that no one affected by brain injury feels unseen, unheard, or left behind.