CP Link Worker evaluation - version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of a link worker intervention to support middle aged and older adults with Cerebral Palsy in North Central London
IRAS ID
355807
Contact name
Kimberley Smith
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong physical disability which affects around 130,000 adults in the UK. The limited research in this area has highlighted that as they grow older, physical, psychological, and social needs of adults with cerebral palsy often become more complex, due to the combined impact of lifelong impairments and the early onset of age-related health challenges. However, despite the number of adults impacted by ageing with cerebral palsy there is a lack of specialised care for this population.
The aim of this study is to find out whether having a link worker with specific knowledge in aging with cerebral palsy is a viable and practical way to provide support to adults with cerebral palsy. The link worker will work with participants to understand their individual non-medical needs, set goals, and connect them with local services and activities to support their well-being.
We will recruit 30-50 adults aged 40 or older with cerebral palsy living in North Central London. The information we get from this study will allow us to understand whether this type of support is acceptable and useful for adults with cerebral palsy, and whether it is possible to deliver it in practice. We will also explore the experiences of participant's carers, the link worker, staff of the partner charity involved in the design and delivery of the intervention, and community-based service providers to understand what works well and what could be improved.
The findings will provide important evidence on how to support adults with cerebral palsy as they grow older, and will help to inform the development of future services in this area.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0364
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion