Liam*, who lives at our one of our homes in Leicester, has made contact with his family in Gambia for the first time in five years, thanks to the determination of his keyworker who tracked down his mother.

When Liam* developed an acquired brain injury in 2012, complications with his health meant he lost all contact with his immediate family in Gambia.

His keyworker, Samba, enlisted the help of a member of bank staff who could speak Mandinka, Liam’s* language, and was finally able to contact his mother in Gambia.

Liam’s* mother couldn’t even believe it was her son after so long as she had heard nothing about what had happened to him. Samba was able to reassure her that he was safe and well.

Liam* now has contact with his family including his brothers and sisters. With Samba’s help, Liam* now uses WhatsApp and has been able to make calls, leave messages and see photos of his family which has bought him so much happiness.

Samba’s service manager, Lorna Parkins, said:

“New technology has brought Liam* back together with his family. Samba has been the key to all this and we are so proud to have her on our team.”

*Some of the details have been changed for confidentiality reasons.

• 
• brain injury
• leicester
• support