Dean Russell MP hosted a cross-party drop-in event to raise awareness for Cerebral Palsy (CP) Awareness Month. The event aimed to support the National Bobath Cerebral Palsy Centre's call for babies' right to free, specialist, early intervention therapy for cerebral palsy.
Cerebral Palsy is a neurological condition that sadly affects 1 in 400 babies born in the UK. Unfortunately, many of these babies do not receive the specialist therapy and intervention they require at an early enough stage. By missing out on specialist Early Intervention therapy, a child with CP will be forced to play catch-up in physical health and educational attainment for the rest of their lives. It is so important that we give every child access to the support they need from the earliest stages.
The Bobath Centre provides specialist support for families affected by CP and offers training for physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists to better support children with CP and their families.
The drop-in event encouraged MP’s to find out more about CP Awareness Month 2024 and to show their support for the National Bobath Cerebral Palsy Centre's vital work supporting children with CP. Dean has visited Bobath in Watford on a number of occasions and really enjoys learning about the valuable support the charity offers to families affected by CP.
Following the event Dean said, ‘I was pleased to host this cross-party drop-in event for Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. It is crucial that we raise awareness for babies to receive free, specialist, early intervention therapy for cerebral palsy. I hope colleagues come together to support the National Bobath Cerebral Palsy Centre and ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential in life’.
