Jan Rock - Founder and CEO MATRIX Neurological

Why did you decide to become a Community Champion?

In 2010, my son sustained a severe traumatic brain injury in a climbing accident.  He fell 70 ft and sustained multiple life-threatening injuries. Doctors did not expect him to survive, and the family were told that even if he survived, he would have no quality of life.  Well, my son did survive, but with life changing physical, sensory, cognitive, communication, emotional and behavioural impairments. 

It was only after the family were discharged that I realised the scale of the lack of understanding across a range of professionals, of his ongoing recovery needs.  Whilst the NHS treated some of my son’s physical and sensory needs for a short while, nobody dealt with the communication, cognitive, emotional and behavioural issues he was now living with. 

With this lived experience and the set up of the charity I believe I am in a perfect position to gain valuable insight to help Healthwatch. 

How does your role help people in South Tees?

 As we are Lived experience led we support children and  young people living with the effects of an acquired brain injury following an accident or illness.  We also provide peer-led practical and emotional support to their families. 

Since my son’s injury I have dedicated my life to learning about acquired brain injuries, and not only listen to these kids and their families, but I also undertake research and reads medical journals from reputable sources from around the world.