Hull Training and Adult Education (HTAE) learners welcomed Paul Spence from Hull-based charity P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery during a series of inspirational talks.
Paul, CEO and founder of the charity, delivered his ‘One Punch’ and ‘Rock Bottom’ talks to HTAE learners across the service’s training centres.
Having suffered life-threatening injuries in 2012 due to a one-punch assault in a bar, Paul set-up P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery, a free community service that provides support, guidance and education to individuals and families affected by acquired brain injury in Hull and the surrounding areas.
It also campaigns to raise awareness, improve services and promote understanding of brain injury.
Talks were delivered across several weeks in September, including at the Construction Centre on Nursery Grove on Wednesday 18 September, during One Punch Awareness Week.
Paul was invited to provide a presentation to impact learners and staff with his personal story and to ensure that they think twice about the consequences of violence and one punch attacks.
One-punch assaults, also known as ‘king punches’ and ‘sucker punches’, are characterised by a single severe blow to the head causing the victim to lose consciousness, resulting in a secondary impact between the head and surrounding environment.
Such impacts may result in brain injury leading to fatality or permanent neurological impairment. Whilst the number of fatalities is recorded, there are no statistics for the number of people left with brain injuries.
Paul said: “The talks give an insight into the impact into mindless violence, including hitting rock bottom, bouncing back and showing resilience in recovery.
“There was some really good engagement from all the groups of HTAE learners.”
Cllr Linda Tock, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for Hull Training, added: “Paul’s story and recovery since his assault are truly inspirational and one that I am sure HTAE learners have learned a lot from.
“Nobody should have to go through what Paul and his family went through.
“However, it is comforting knowing that there are fantastic charities out there such as P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery to support people who need it, whilst also helping to spread awareness.”
More information on HTAE and courses available can be found here.
