"This event is a must for all neuropsychologists, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, SALTs, case managers, support workers and sports scientists."
Chris Thorne
Southampton law firm Clarke Willmott LLP is hosting a unique day of interactive lectures focusing on acquired brain injuries (ABI) in football.
‘Boots, Balls and Brains’ is a timely look at using sport, and football in particular, as a valuable tool in enhancing the rehabilitation of those with acquired brain injury, and also the apparently contradictory view that there are detrimental effects from repeatedly heading a ball.
The event comes just weeks after a study revealed that former professional footballers are three and a half times more likely to die of dementia than people of the same age range in the general population.
The study began after claims that former West Brom striker Jeff Astle died because of repeated head trauma.
The event will also explore social media and social interaction as well as offering expert advice on the practical ways leisure time activities can be a vital component of and motivator towards the rehabilitation of individuals with acquired brain injuries.
Taking place at St Mary’s Stadium on Thursday 28 November, the event is jointly hosted with Outer Temple Chambers and will raise funds for Saints Foundation which aims to transform lives in and around Southampton, helping people fulfil their potential to be more involved, healthier and empowered members of the community.
Headline speaker Dr Magdalena Ietswaart of the University of Stirling will discuss her much debated study in her presentation “Brain Health in Sport: Neuroplasticity, Football Heading and Dementia” while neuropsychologist Dr Richard Maddicks talks about the risks of social media and internet usage for injured clients.
Additional presentations will come from Susie Quinlan at ILS on the use of therapeutic activities from a case manager’s point of view and Anita Pascoe of West Country Case Management on the practical implications of social media in the world of case management.
Beneficiaries of the work of Saints Foundation will speak about their own positive experiences of sport and ABI and legal teams from Clarke Willmott and Outer Temple Chambers will provide the latest legal updates.
Chris Thorne, head of personal injury and medical negligence at Clarke Willmott, said: “This event is a must for all neuropsychologists, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, SALTs, case managers, support workers and sports scientists or anyone with a professional interest in ABI, rehabilitation or sports and social media.
“With all proceeds going to Saints Foundation the day will not only be professionally valuable but will also help support and empower people in the community.”
To book your place please contact Georgia Harding at Georgia.Harding@clarkewillmott.com
For more information visit https://www.clarkewillmott.com/events/boots-balls-and-brains/
