Improving access to information

20 October 2008

Big Lottery logo The Brain and Spine Foundation has been awarded over a quarter of a million pounds from The Big Lottery to develop our vital information services.

There are over 200 different conditions which can affect the brain and spine and thousands of people come to us to find the support and information they need to help them understand and manage their symptoms.

Ken Walker, chief executive, said "This is great news. We know that many people affected by neurological conditions would find our services useful and this grant will give us the capability to extend and improve those facilities, so that people with concerns about symptoms, impending investigations or relatively rare conditions can be better supported."

Help and support from neuroscience nurses



One of these important facilities is the Brain and Spine Helpline - 0808 808 1000 - offering help and information on any neurological area of medical, social or emotional concern. For 10 years neuroscience nurses have been answering queries on the telephone, the website and by email. We can now expand this service with additional specialist staff.

Up to date information of the highest quality



We also plan to update our range of over 30 information booklets, on topics from headache and back pain to brain tumour, and to extend the information currently available on the website, making sure that people have access to up to date information of the highest quality providing them with the support they need to manage their condition.

Thanks to this grant, worth £260k over 3 years, we can make our information services accessible to even more of the thousands of people who need it.