Knot House grand opening marks important moment for brain injury rehabilitation

Continuing our commitment to creating fulfilling lives for all, we recently celebrated the official opening of our brand-new brain injury service Knot House! Located within the vibrant community of Ellesmere Port, our flagship service offers a unique, holistic approach to brain injury support.

On Friday 13 June 2025, we held a special grand-opening event to mark this exciting occasion. Our expert brain injury rehabilitation team welcomed guests from the surrounding community, industry professionals, and families interested in learning more about the life-changing support Knot House provides.

We also welcomed several special guests, including local Ward Councillor, Karen Shore, and the Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Sherin Akhtar. Beneath the beaming sunshine, Knot House was officially opened by Councillor Akhtar and our guest of honour, Craig – the first person to move into our brand-new home!

Together, they cut our purple ribbon and marked an important moment for the future of brain injury rehabilitation in the North West.

An exclusive event

Hosted by our expert brain injury operations team – including Operations Manager Carly Dempsey and Knot House Registered Manager, Kayley Sharp – our grand opening event was jam-packed with exciting activities.

From the moment the doors opened, our team welcomed guests, taking them on tours of the home. After seeing first-hand our state-of-the-art facilities, they met with Craig, his family, and our expert support colleagues.

Learning more about our specialist approach to brain injury rehabilitation, visitors gained a clearer understanding of the difference Knot House will make to those recovering from brain injuries in the local area – and beyond.

Councillor Akhtar and Councillor Shore were warmly welcomed by our team at Knot House. They started their visit with a private tour of the service before gathering in the early-summer sunshine for the ribbon cutting.

Brain injury rehabilitation Managing Director Michael Chawatama welcomed our guests with a heart-warming speech, recognising the importance of community-based services like Knot House. He commented:

“We’re thrilled to open our flagship brain injury rehabilitation service in the heart of Ellesmere Port. This service fills a significant gap in specialist step-down and community-based rehabilitation in the region. As we embark on an ambitious growth phase, we’re proud to further cement our position as one of the UK’s leading providers of brain injury rehabilitation support.”

Councillor Akhtar followed with an inspiring speech about the significance of supporting people to embrace independence and become valued members of the community. She said:

“I am honoured to officially open Knot House, a brand-new, purpose-built specialist brain injury rehabilitation service in Ellesmere Port. Knot House will provide vital support for up to 28 individuals from across the borough who have experienced brain injuries. This is the first time such ongoing specialist support has been available in the North West.”

Surrounded by our brain injury operations team, Councillor Akhtar joined Craig to cut the purple ribbon. Together, they officially opened Knot House, unaware of the surprise gift that was to follow!

Marking the occasion

To mark the occasion, a special art piece was gifted to the service by our Senior Marketing Executive, Katie-Marie Fuller. Inspired by real conversations, she wrote a piece expressing the invisible bond shared between people we support and our support colleagues.

Our guests enjoyed a surprise reading of the poem before it was presented to Registered Manager Kayley.

It will hang in the service as a reminder of what it means to people with life-changing brain injuries when somebody cares.

Future of brain injury rehabilitation

Councillor Akhtar and Councillor Shore met with Kayley, Carly, people we support and support colleagues from nearby services to hear their thoughts on social care in the area. They discussed improvements that would support their needs, rehabilitation, and enhance their independence within the local community.

For Kayley, re-establishing independence after brain injury is key to achieving positive outcomes and is a principle she will ensure is at the heart of Knot House. She commented:

“It’s rewarding to know we’re giving someone part of their life back after brain injury. Witnessing someone’s progress is an incredible feeling. At Knot House, we’ll ensure choice and independence is always at the forefront of each person’s support. No matter what size goal someone wants to achieve, decision making and autonomy will help them achieve it.”

About Knot House

Knot House is a purpose-built service offering 28 beds for people recovering from brain injuries. The home has been designed with independence at heart. Spanning two buildings, one offers residential care for those at the beginning of their rehabilitation journey, and the other comprises self-contained flats for individuals ready to embrace additional independence.

Knot House also offers long-term placements for those with ongoing or permanent care needs. Until now, many people in the North West of England have had to leave their communities to access this level of specialist care. The opening of Knot House brings vital, local support, allowing people to stay closer to family, friends, and familiar surroundings.