Ten years after Paul Spence started a charity from his back room, P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery now welcomes more than 300 people a month – and has been named a finalist in the Hull and East Yorkshire Business Awards 2026.
This year, P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery is celebrating 10 years of making life easier after acquired brain injury (ABI) for people across Hull, East Yorkshire and North and North East Lincolnshire.
Paul Spence founded the charity in 2016, four years after he survived a life-changing brain injury following an unprovoked attack. He knew first-hand how hard it is to find the right support once you leave hospital. So he set out to build the service he wished he had – one built on Positivity, Awareness, Understanding and Love.
From a back room to the heart of the care pathway
What began as small, informal group sessions has grown into a free community service based at the Wilberforce Health Centre in Hull city centre. Today the charity offers:
- weekly social and recreational sessions, day trips, yoga, gym classes and an allotment
- talks, presentations and advocacy
- peer groups and learning sessions for family members and loved ones
- monthly sessions in Grimsby and Scunthorpe, launched last year
The charity is now a trusted part of local NHS care. It is commissioned by the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and delivers services as part of an NHS community contract with City Health Care Partnership CIC. An honorary contract with Hull University Teaching Hospitals means Paul and the team can meet patients and families on the neuro wards at Hull Royal Infirmary, before they even go home.
The difference shows. Of the people who use the service, 91% feel less anxious, 100% say their overall health has improved and 83% now have a more active social life.
“I started this charity in my back room during my own recovery. Ten years on, I’m so proud of the community we’ve built together, and I can’t wait to see what the next ten years bring.]” – Paul Spence, Founder and CEO
Charity of the Year finalist at the Hull & East Yorkshire Business Awards 2026
To cap off our anniversary year, P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery has been named a finalist for Charity of the Year at the Hull & East Yorkshire Business Awards 2026.
The awards celebrate the businesses and organisations that make our region stronger. Being shortlisted alongside so many local names is a proud moment for our staff, Trustees, Ambassadors, volunteers and, most of all, the people we support.
It is also a thank you to the businesses who stand with us – from our corporate partners to Hull Trains, who chose us as their Charity of the Year. The winners will be announced on 19 November at Double Tree by Hilton in Hull. Please keep your fingers crossed for us!
Watch our 10th anniversary video
Ten years of stories, laughter and recovery – told by the people who lived them. Our anniversary video brings together service users, families, staff and supporters to share what P.A.U.L has meant to them.
▶ Watch the 10th anniversary video
Here’s to the next 10 years
We couldn’t have reached this milestone without you. If you’d like to be part of our next chapter:
- Donate to help us reach more people
- Fundraise sponsor or sign up for the Humber Bridge Sportive on Sunday 13 June 2027
- Become a corporate partner
- Make a referral – call 01482 620229 or email info@paulforbrainrecovery.co.uk