Neuropsychology - The COPE Group

What is the COPE group?

The COPE group is a support group put together by the Acute Neuropsychology Team (ANT) at Salford Hospital and is aimed at helping you to learn ways of coping psychologically during your hospital stay.

The group will also give you a chance to interact with other patients and give you a space to feel listened to and less isolated.

COPE stands for:

C – Care
O – Openness
P – Patience
E – Empathy

We understand that groups can feel quite daunting at first, but we want to reassure you that you do not have to speak unless you are comfortable, or if you feel better just listening, then you are still welcome. This space is to help you know you are not alone and hopefully bring you some comfort during this difficult time.

Who runs the group and when?

The group will be run by a consultant clinical neuropsychologist and/or a clinical psychologist and a senior psychologist.

These groups will be held on a rotational basis, twice a week, where we will cover different topics.

Topics (Typically)

Week 1

• Adjustment to hospital
• Anxiety

Week 2

• Low mood and self-compassion
• Anger

Week 3

• Mindfulness
• Sleep/Fatigue

Who is the group for?

Inpatients on the ward who have a neurological condition or a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

What will happen in the group?

The group will be held in the day room. We will cover the topic for that day and have 45 minutes of group time, with lots of interaction and a chance for you to contribute if you wish.

Who do I contact for more information?

For more information you can ask the ward staff to contact the neuropsychology team for any answers you need.

Emotional responses to being in hospital

Experiencing a serious illness or having surgery can be traumatic. You may be experiencing some of these reactions now or you may in the future. These are normal reactions to the abnormal circumstances you are experiencing. Most people find that, with time and support from the people around them, they gradually begin to feel better. There are no right or wrong responses.

Having ongoing reactions and/or difficulties adjusting afterwards, does not necessarily indicate that someone is ‘weak’ or is experiencing a mental health problem.

Feeling mixed emotions regarding what you are going through is completely normal, and bottling up these emotions is not always the best for us in the long term.

Organisations to access on discharge

The Silverlining Charity

A group of like-minded people who aim to improve the quality of life to all those affected by brain injury.
Email: admin@thesilverlining.org.uk
Tel: 0203 174 2051

Headway – The Brain Injury Association

Improving life after brain injury
Tel 0808 800 2244
Call our free helpline Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm.
Email: helpline@headway.org.uk

The Brain Charity

Champion neurodiversity and help anyone affected by a neurological condition to pick up the pieces, so they can rebuild their lives and achieve potential.
Tel: 0151 298 2999
Email: Info@thebraincharity.org.uk

Brain Injury Group

Tel: 0800 612 9660 or 0330 311 2541
Email: info@thebraincharity.org.uk

Contact Details

Please telephone 0161 206 4694 and speak with either:

Dr Katherine McIvor
Dr Steffi Helmrath
Dr Craig Peak or Lillian Frazer-Greene
Or email reftoneuropsych@nca.nhs.uk