Supporting Recovery, Building Futures: RGU Brain Injury Group Receives £10,000 Award

The RGU Brain Injury Group (RGU BIG) has received a £10,000 award from the Hospital Saturday Fund (HSF), supporting a long-running initiative that helps people living with acquired brain injuries while providing students with invaluable real-world learning experiences. 

For more than 20 years, RGU BIG has been transforming lives through a unique partnership between students, academics and the local community. Established in 2005 by Jennifer Duthie, then Course Lead for Physiotherapy, and Rhona Davidson, Senior Neuro Physiotherapist and Clinical Educator, the group was designed to enhance students’ understanding of the complexities of acquired brain injury while providing valuable support to local people and their families.

In 2009, students from the Applied Sport and Exercise Science course at RGU joined the programme, contributing to the delivery of tailored rehabilitation and physical activity sessions. What began as a small initiative supporting around eight participants has grown into a well-established programme that now supports approximately 60 people living with acquired brain injuries.

The programme exemplifies RGU’s commitment to work-integrated learning, giving students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting while making a meaningful difference in their community.

One student reflected on how the experience helped prepare them for their future career:

“The Brain Injury Group helped build my confidence when working with patients. We get the opportunity to work with real patients rather than simulated settings.”

Another added:

“My communication, leadership and instructing skills improved. I’ll be able to take those skills into the NHS for my rotations.”

Academics involved in the programme say the experience helps students develop the practical and interpersonal skills needed for future healthcare careers, including communication, clinical judgement, teamwork and exercise prescription.

At the same time, the programme provides significant benefits for participants, supporting not only physical rehabilitation but also confidence, wellbeing and social connection.

Reflecting on the impact for participants, one contributor noted:

“I think from a social point of view that's where the main benefit is. That's what I heard most from participants too. It gets me out of the house, it's social.”

Another added:

“I think their confidence grew a lot. They actually started to go to the gym with another family member, which was really nice to see.”

The donation comes from the Hospital Saturday Fund (HSF), which has provided health plans to RGU staff for more than 20 years. As a not-for-profit organisation, HSF reinvests its surplus into charitable and healthcare-related initiatives that improve health and wellbeing in local communities.

The funding will help ensure the RGU Brain Injury Group can continue delivering life-changing support for participants while providing future generations of students with valuable hands-on learning opportunities.