The Brain Injury Linkworker Service: A Unique Perspective

The Brain Injury Linkworker service (BIL) is an important service offered by Brainkind. The BIL service supports people with brain injuries within prison settings, helping them navigate their environment and work towards rehabilitation.

Below, we delve into a first-hand account of Maria, a Brain Injury Linkworker and her experience, exploring her role, challenges, and the transformative impact of the service.

Path to Becoming a Brain Injury Linkworker

Education and Early Career

Maria, a Brain Injury Linkworker, began her journey with a background in psychology. After completing a degree in psychology followed by a master’s in health psychology at Liverpool John Moores University, Maria gained initial experience working as a mental health support worker. This early role, she recounts, was pivotal in providing practical exposure to mental health issues and their real-world implications, bridging the gap between academic theory and practice.

Maria reflects,

That job was the best. I worked in with adults living in assisted living accommodation and it gave me a real sense of what people’s lives are like beyond the theories we learned at university.

Joining Brainkind

Maria’s path to BIL was serendipitous. Initially applying for another role at Brainkind, she later discovered the Brain Injury Linkworker position. Although unfamiliar with the specifics of brain injuries and neuropsychology at the time, Maria embraced the learning curve.

She notes,

I didn’t know much about neuropsychology when I started, but this role is all about continuous learning. I’ve grown so much since I began.

Maria also shared the apprehensions she faced before joining,

It was a bit intimidating, especially moving into a men’s prison. It’s a different world—a culture shock. But I also saw it as a chance to make a meaningful difference.

Day-to-Day Role and Challenges

A Typical Week

Maria’s workweek is diverse, balancing in-prison sessions, administrative duties, and collaboration with other professionals. Her weekly schedule includes:

• Monday: Remote administrative work.
• Tuesday and Wednesday: In-prison sessions, conducting screening assessments, bespoke 1:1 interventions and follow-ups.
• Thursday: Planning sessions and administrative tasks.
• Friday: Work in approved premises (hostels for people deemed as high risk upon release from prison).

Navigating the Prison Environment

Working in a prison can be intimidating, especially for a new professional. Maria describes the initial cultural shock and the unique dynamics of engaging with male prisoners.

It was daunting at first, walking through so many locked doors and being surrounded by hundreds of men. Over time, though, I found my rhythm and focus on building trust. It’s important to remember that this is where they live, even if for some people it’s temporary.

Administrative and Systemic Barriers

Accessing necessary systems like healthcare databases can be a hurdle due to confidentiality concerns and GDPR regulations. Maria’s team developed a contingency plan to work around these issues, emphasising manual processes for referrals and assessments. Maria shares,

It’s challenging but rewarding. We’ve had to get creative and manual in our approaches, but it’s all about ensuring the best outcomes for the men we work with.

The Impact of Brain Injury Linkworkers

Tailored Interventions

Maria’s role involves creating personalised intervention plans based on each person’s needs. For instance, she works on attention exercises for individuals with cognitive deficits or provides memory support for those struggling with retention. Such bespoke approaches ensure that the rehabilitation process is meaningful and impactful. Maria explains,

Every individual’s needs are unique. For some, it’s about rebuilding memory strategies; for others, it’s helping them adapt to the prison regime.

Building Trust

A significant part of Maria’s job is building trust with prisoners, many of whom have experienced broken promises in institutional settings. Delivering on commitments, such as arranging referrals to healthcare services, goes a long way in fostering rapport and encouraging engagement.

These men are used to being let down. When I follow through on a promise, like referring them to the optician, it makes a big difference. It’s about showing them that someone genuinely cares.

Personal Insights and Reflections

Coping with Emotional Weight

Dealing with prisoners’ traumatic histories and life challenges can be emotionally taxing. Maria emphasises the importance of self-care, including listening to podcasts, engaging in physical activities like Pilates, and maintaining a clear work-life boundary.

Sometimes the things I hear stay with me. I make sure to decompress, whether it’s by going to the gym or just having a nice meal when I get home.

Support Systems

Brainkind’s supportive culture plays a crucial role in Maria’s ability to manage her responsibilities effectively. Regular supervision, team check-ins, and the organisation’s compassionate approach help create a conducive work environment. Maria reflects,

The team here is amazing. If I ever feel overwhelmed, there’s always someone to talk to who understands. Even when I’ve had tough personal situations, they’ve been so accommodating.

Continuous Learning

The dynamic nature of the role ensures that there is always something new to learn, keeping the work engaging and purposeful. Maria’s participation in neuropsychology conferences and professional development activities exemplifies her commitment to growth. Maria notes,

Attending conferences and staying updated helps me bring the best support to those I work with.

The Bigger Picture

The Brain Injury Linkworker service not only aids individual prisoners but also contributes to broader rehabilitation goals. By addressing brain injury-related challenges, the service helps inmates better adapt to prison regimes, increasing their chances of moving to enhanced regimes with improved living conditions and opportunities.

Measuring Success

Success in this role is multifaceted. It includes observing behavioural improvements, achieving rehabilitation milestones, and witnessing prisoners’ growing trust and willingness to engage.

Seeing someone open up, trust the process, and genuinely improve — that’s what makes this work so rewarding.

The Brain Injury Linkworker team are a testament to Brainkind’s dedication to supporting individuals with brain injuries.

Professionals like Maria Murphy illustrate the profound impact of this service, highlighting the importance of empathy, adaptability, and ongoing learning in transforming lives.