I would like to thank you and your team for the excellent professional support and assistance that you provided in the recent catastrophic injury claim that we worked on together.

I found the service provided by your company very efficient and I know that your practical ability to assist with identifying and sourcing aids and equipment and arranging treatment and therapies helped enormously.

Additionally your input in relation to the significant renovations that were required to my client’s property and your expert input in sourcing and establishing an appropriate care package have meant that my client is now happily living independently in his own home. I would have no hesitation in recommending you and your company in the future.

I’ve been really impressed with Dennis Paine as Case Manager for one of my very badly injured Clients. He has a lovely manner with Clients which puts them at ease, whilst at the same time being very professional and efficient in co-ordinating and communicating with the whole MDT, and with me, as conducting Solicitor, to put into place a comprehensive and bespoke rehabilitation package which is really helping my Client to make as good a recovery as possible, and help her regain her independence.

Following a car accident in December 2013, I was taken to a hospital for people suffering from a traumatic brain injury. I had also sustained injuries to my spine.

Upon my discharge from hospital I was very confused and was unaware of what services I was entitled to under the NHS and Social Services.  I was sent to rehab and hated it. Suffice it to say, the services provided were stretched, very limited and did not provide the care that I so desperately needed to recover. I lacked motivation, was severely depressed, spent my days languishing in bed in pain or on the sofa. Basically, believed that I had lost the person I once was.

Through my solicitor I was assigned a case manager; however, after a couple of months our relationship had broken down. Again, facilitated by my solicitor, I received information about a number of other case managers, who I was told would put together a team and coordinate my care. It was up to me to choose who I wanted to case manage my care. After reading a number of managers profiles, I chose Ben Holden. Upon our first meeting, I instinctively knew that Ben was the one. Prior to my accident I had worked as an Advanced Social Work Practitioner in Health and Social Care. It was a coincidence that I had also previously worked as a care manager and knew “all about the business,” however, I was wrong! Ben’s area of specialism was different to mine in mental health. I was not an easy client, was very challenging and did not accept advice easily. I did not realise or would not accept that my traumatic brain injury had left me with a number of very complex physical, social and psychological “needs.” Of course, I wanted a needs led assessment and a “personalised individual care plan.” Supported by years of working as a neuro-occupational therapist, Ben with his knowledge, skills and experience, knew how to manage my very difficult behaviour and the impact this would have upon me, my family and future, For example, aggressiveness, anxiety, disinhibition, problems with my memory, finding words, confusion, fatigue, pain, and mood swings. Life certainly felt like a roller coaster.

My life began to significantly change. Ben treated me with the upmost dignity and respect. He coordinated a team of professionals experienced in working with neurological disorders, especially with people who had experienced an accidental severe traumatic brain injury or through illness. I felt confident that Ben would and did manage to select professionals who he somehow knew would manage my challenging eccentric behaviour and complex needs. However, I was not ready to engage with or accept the changes to the “new me.”

I had previously worked in a “multi disciplinary team” setting: worked with psychologists; occupational therapists, physio therapists, psychiatrists, but had never been on the receiving end or intensively worked with professionals specialised in neurological disorders. The journey has certainly been long and thanks to Ben and his team have learnt how to manage my needs. I no longer believe that I “can run before learning to walk.”

By no means have I made a complete recovery or might not. However, I now understand and accept that as a consequence of my accident there will always be new challenges. With Ben managing my care and the team of professionals he identified, I feel confident that I will be able to manage these challenges, when and as they arise.

A big thank you to Ben, his team and the Multidisciplinary Team.

When I first started working with Ben, I was really struggling, not only with the physical aspect of my injury but also with the inevitable low moods and lack of motivation. Over the last 2 years, with Bens help, my life greatly improved; any adaptations that I needed around the home, Ben got it all organised for me. Nothing was too much trouble, and I knew that if I ever needed help, then Ben was only at the end of the phone, and this is the reason why I would have no problem in recommending Ben Holden Ltd.

My case manager came to visit me numerous times in the Royal Free Hospital. Having assessed my needs, she organised repair of my wheelchair, hospital bed on my return home. Organised private physiotherapy and stay in care home. Once home, she came with me to private therapist in Harley Street.

Very kind, understanding and caring.

“After my accident I was struggling with work and feeling very depressed.  I could not understand why I was feeling this way and felt that I had nobody to discuss my problems with. I was not sleeping properly and things were becoming intolerable.

When Ben became my Occupational Therapist, he visited me and my family at home; my workplace and explained what I was experiencing.  He organised appointments with various Consultants, Physiotherapists and a Psychologist. This enabled me to get an explanation of what was happening medically and obtain the correct treatments.

It was very reassuring to know that Ben was always at the end of the phone.  He was there when I needed him most.  He always responded quickly and kept everybody involved well-informed of what was happening with Progress Reports.

I could trust Ben and felt reassured by his knowledge and patience.  He has a great and appropriate sense of humour.I would highly recommend Ben to others who would surely benefit from his expertise.”

“After my accident in December 2012, I had no idea how to proceed with my rehabilitation and become fit again to return to work. Ben Holden visited me at my home, viewed my injury and observed my current mobility.

From that visit, and our subsequent telephone discussions, Ben was very helpful and promptly organised a good local physiotherapist for me. There I was given exercises specific to my problem, along with acupuncture and massage. This was invaluable, as nothing had been offered to id my recovery by my local hospital. In addition, Ben organised a six-month gym membership at my local leisure centre.

I always found Ben easy to talk to and he regularly called to check on my progress. I would not hesitate to recommend Ben Holden td, who gave me a very friendly and professional service.”

“Before Ben Holden started working with me on my injuries, I was struggling daily and unable to progress with my rehabilitation back into normal life.

Since Ben Holden Ltd took on my case I have been able to focus on getting my life back together following my accident.

Working with Ben made me feel confident and in control again, his relaxed and easy style made me feel I could talk to him freely about my concerns.

I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Ben Holden Ltd to anyone facing the prospect of life following a life changing accident.”

“Before I started working with Ben I was struggling with the everyday tasks e.g. getting myself dressed, walking any distance, lifting, getting in and out of bed, bending. Within six months, Ben and his team enabled me to do all these things and return to work gradually, which resulted in me being able to do my pre-injury job.

My experience working with Ben was excellent. I felt very at ease, relaxed and confident with him. If I had any queries or needed extra support, he was always on the end of the telephone. Nothing was ever too much trouble.

I highly recommend Ben Holden, for his professionalism, friendliness and for the individual support I got.??I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ben and his team for all their work getting me where I am today, leading a normal life again, and being able to put my accident behind me.”

Please pass on my thanks to all at Ben Holden for their help and patience with me over the past few years. Things are so much better for me now compared to when I came to you and you have all played a part in that, no matter how small, and I greatly appreciate it.

Credit where it’s due in my eyes, and everyone at Ben Holden have been kind, courteous but perhaps more importantly understanding of my difficulties if/when I’ve been confused or remiss in remembering an invoice or some such. It is much appreciated.

Before I was supported by Jo Forrest at Ben Holden Ltd, I was struggling with EVERYTHING caused by the RTA. I was incapacitated in a hospital bed in my dining room worried about the traumatic impact on my husband and family, not just following the accident, but the reality of my lack of independence, my ongoing care and my own physical rehabilitation.

When Jo started supporting me it was also the start of the Covid Pandemic. It was an unprecedented time and she patiently guided me through options and suggestions to support the changing needs for my medical and wellbeing progression. She took the time to explain physical anatomy which helped me understand the immediate and longer term impact of my injuries. We set attainable goals for me to rebuild all aspects of my life. Jo researched and implemented the plans. With professional understanding of procedures and expectations she liaised with my legal representative for insurance funding and others, securing the further support I needed, for example; intensive physio, counselling, driving confidence lessons, further surgery, occupational health equipment, a PA to support me and relieve the pressure on my family.

Jo’s case management at the most traumatic time in my family’s life was invaluable. With her professional care and support in my rehabilitation, although I experienced life changing injuries, I now drive again, I follow a prescribed exercise routine at the the gym twice weekly, I attend a weekly silversmithing class, swim and walk! Importantly for me, I’m able to contribute to, and support, my family again ….plus indulge my joy of gardening! – I have my independence.

I engaged Jo as my case manager in traumatic circumstances following my RTA. I didn’t even know what was ahead of me at that time, but I am so very grateful to her for listening, caring, supporting and understanding me, to get the right help and rehabilitation in place – I would always be happy to recommend Jo as a Case manager to others.

I was involved in a big accident when a small lorry lost control on a country road.  The lorry landed on top of my car and subsequently, my head, leaving me with a Diffuse Axonal TBI, which was classified as Severe.  At the time I was driving my youngest daughter to school and, miraculously, she was relatively unharmed apart from some neck issues. She was 9 at the time of the accident and is now almost 17. Unfortunately she now has some psychological issues as a result of the accident, for which she is now receiving support.

After the accident I spent 15 days in a coma and 3 and a half months in hospital/residential rehabilitation.

Whilst I suffered from much lesser physical injuries (broken bones in head, base of skull and eye socket) I found the brain injury a very disorientating, confusing and disabling condition to cope with. However, I decided VERY EARLY ON, that I would fight for the rest of my life to achieve the maximum recovery!

I’m now 7 and a half years post injury and even now I continue to feel improvements each day.  Above is a photo of me on holiday recently in Nice, France, which was my  first post accident flight.

I suffer from Dysarthria, which is a speech condition and has been the most distressing symptom I’ve had long term. I continue to work very hard on my speech every day and am now confident to talk to strangers in shops/walking my dog etc.  I used to only plan to see friends for an hour maximum as that’s how long my speech would ‘last!’ Over the years, I have increased this duration to now 2 and half hours and have recently been taking a friend to football with me and spending 8 to 9 hours with the same person.

My personal recommendations for a good recovery are:

1. Keep trying

It took me about 6 years to be able to jump up and sit on my kitchen worktop as the strength and coordination it required (lifting and turning around at the same time) were just out of my capabilities. BUT, I didn’t give up and now it’s a natural movement, and I continue to work daily on my balance and strength.

2. Family

Appreciate your family and feed off the love and support they give you. Never accept being patronised or pitied by anyone though! My general rule is: if I need help, I’m capable of asking!

3. Friends

As above.  A big achievement for me was to get back to hosting and socialising.

4. Pets

They love you no matter how disabled you are. My dog has been my saviour but was very tentative in the beginning. Now, I can walk him on my own and we go to the woods together for a 40 minute walk. I Never thought I’d do that again as he’s a big strong chap.

5. Do what you love

Football is my passion and I have now returned to my beloved Stamford Bridge (Chelsea), which is something else I never expected to ever do again! After years of not being able to filter sound and movement around me, I have finally become desensitised and I can focus.

And I now have a BEAUTIFUL Granddaughter, Violet, who has made me realise why I survived. I never thought I’d be ‘useful’ again but, my husband, children, granddaughter and friends ALL need me and they don’t care that I’m slightly different to them.

I previously worked self employed as an accountant and have only returned to limited work. Whilst my main reason for this is that I find it difficult to concentrate in a busy work environment.  I will admit that I’ve made a life that I very much enjoy and isn’t focused much on working anymore. I’ve been able to feel very useful at home; helping my children, running a house, childminding for my granddaughter and thinking about myself more! And even helping my husband!

The moral to my story is to NEVER give up. You WILL see improvements for the rest of your life, if you continue to work on rehabilitation.

And use the support offered to you – having a Ben Holden Ltd Case Manager made a HUGE difference to me when I lacked the confidence and ability to locate, navigate and access the best help for me. My Case Manager, Tom Miners, became a friend and I always felt entirely comfortable to say what I wanted and explain what I needed.

The Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychology and Case Management I received was invaluable. Tom ALWAYS paired me with people that I really ‘clicked’ with and as a person who previously didn’t get on with a rehab service, it completely changed my mind as to its value (thanks Tom, I miss our chats!)

Before I was supported by Jo Forrest at Ben Holden Ltd, I was struggling with EVERYTHING caused by the RTA. I was incapacitated in a hospital bed in my dining room worried about the traumatic impact on my husband and family, not just following the accident, but the reality of my lack of independence, my ongoing care and my own physical rehabilitation.

When Jo started supporting me it was also the start of the Covid Pandemic. It was an unprecedented time and she patiently guided me through options and suggestions to support the changing needs for my medical and wellbeing progression. She took the time to explain physical anatomy which helped me understand the immediate and longer term impact of my injuries. We set attainable goals for me to rebuild all aspects of my life. Jo researched and implemented the plans. With professional understanding of procedures and expectations she liaised with my legal representative for insurance funding and others, securing the further support I needed, for example; intensive physio, counseling, driving confidence lessons, further surgery, occupational health equipment, a PA to support me and relieve the pressure on my family.

 Jo’s case management at the most traumatic time in my family’s life was invaluable. With her professional care and support in my rehabilitation, although I experienced life changing injuries, I now drive again, I follow a prescribed exercise routine at the the gym twice weekly, I attend a weekly silversmithing class, swim and walk! Importantly for me, I’m able to contribute to, and support, my family again ….plus indulge my joy of gardening! – I have my independence.

I engaged Jo as my case manager in traumatic circumstances following my RTA. I didn’t even know what was ahead of me at that time, but I am so very grateful to her for listening, caring, supporting and understanding me, to get the right help and rehabilitation in place – I would always be happy to recommend Jo as a Case manager to others.