On 16th October 2025, professionals, clients and experts by experience gathered at Horizon Leeds for this year’s Collaboration in Rehabilitation Conference, a day dedicated to exploring what true collaboration really means in modern rehabilitation practice.
Co-hosted by Healing Touch Rehab, Positive OT and Case Management, and IntoSpeech, the event brought together a mix of voices from across the sector, including therapists, case managers, lawyers, insurers, and those with lived experience. Together, attendees shared knowledge, challenged assumptions, and celebrated the human side of rehabilitation.
All proceeds from the event proudly supported two charities close to our hearts, Little Hiccups and the STEPS Foundation, both of which are doing incredible work to support children and families living with disability and life-changing injury.
A Programme Built Around Collaboration
The day’s programme reflected the depth and diversity of modern rehabilitation. Highlights included:
- Chris Smith (Stewarts Law LLP) and Tom Higson (DWF) opened with a powerful exploration of “The Power of Early Intervention & True Collaboration”, demonstrating how open communication between legal and clinical teams transforms outcomes for clients.
- Dr Jan Smith and Dr Mike Smith (Healthy You Ltd) led an engaging session on “Managing Conflict in the MDT”, offering practical tools to build understanding and cohesion even in challenging cases.
- Serenna Wagner (Inner Voice Music Therapy Ltd) and Charlie Douthwaite (Excel SLT Ltd) showcased “The Power of Integrated Therapy”, illustrating how music therapy and speech and language therapy can combine to unlock communication, support regulation, and enhance engagement.
- Dr Dane Rowley (Rowley CNS) inspired delegates to rethink leadership within rehabilitation teams, challenging the “top-down” model and demonstrating how shared leadership creates stronger, more compassionate, and more effective MDTs.
- Linsay Medica, founder of Little Hiccups, gave a heartfelt talk from a parent’s perspective, sharing her family’s journey and the importance of empathy and peer support for families navigating complex needs.
- Mike Howarth, brain injury survivor, amputee, and trustee of STEPS Rehab, shared his remarkable story of recovery and resilience, a reminder of why collaboration, compassion and creativity matter so deeply in this work.
- Laith Ritchie, lifelong AAC user and founder of L&H AAC and AT Solutions, delivered a moving reflection on how the right tools and team support can empower independence and lifelong advocacy.
Learning Never Stops
Reflecting on the day, Kay Ganguly, Founder and Clinical Director at Healing Touch Rehab, commented:
“Learning never stops, especially when it comes to truly putting clients at the centre of rehabilitation.
While much of the programme covered frameworks, case studies, and legal-clinical processes, what truly stood out was something much deeper, the human side of case management, therapy input, litigating teams, insurers and what our clients really want and value.
Whether supporting an individual after a life-changing injury or helping families through a crisis, this work starts with listening and truly hearing what matters to the person at the centre of it all.
We were inspired by therapists who bring energy and innovation into this space, those who design truly client-led rehab plans, not ‘one-size-fits-all’ solutions. Insurers, too, can be valuable allies when open dialogue and mutual respect exist. True collaboration isn’t just good practice; it’s essential. Because in the end, it’s the people we work with that make rehab work.”
Reflections from Delegates
Feedback from delegates captured the atmosphere of the day perfectly:
- “It reminded me why I entered this field, to help people rebuild their lives with dignity, creativity and clarity.”
- “A fantastic day full of inspiring talks and meaningful conversations.”
- “Events like this don’t just bring professionals together, they spark ideas, challenge assumptions, and remind us that real progress in rehabilitation happens when every voice has a seat at the table.”
Looking Ahead
Collaboration in Rehabilitation 2025 was a celebration of partnership, compassion and progress, and at Healing Touch Rehab, we are proud to have co-hosted an event that brought together so many professionals and individuals dedicated to creating better outcomes for those they support.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Positive OT and Case Management, IntoSpeech, every speaker, delegate and volunteer, and of course, to Little Hiccups and The STEPS Foundation for the incredible work they do every day.
As ever, Healing Touch Rehab remains committed to learning, listening and leading with empathy, ensuring that every person we support is truly at the centre of their rehabilitation journey.
To learn more about our rehabilitation services or discuss partnership opportunities, contact us at clinic@healingtouchrehab.co.uk or call 0333 090 2803.
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