Rehabilitation is a right, not a request: An appalling lack of brain injury rehabilitation services is devastating thousands of brain injury survivors and their families across the country who are left merely to exist. “Don’t Save Me, Then Leave Me,” was the wake-up call we delivered to politicians today. We presented the case for urgent investment in regional neuro-rehabilitation services in the Dáil AV Room. Forced to live in nursing homes 19,000 new brain injuries are acquired in Ireland annually from causes including stroke, road traffic accidents, falls, assaults and brain tumours. But despite more people surviving the major trauma of a brain injury, many young brain injury survivors are forced to live indefinitely in nursing homes or community hospitals without access to any rehabilitation to aid their recovery. No specialist rehab beds outside Dublin Additionally, many more are discharged home to families who are often unable to cope and struggling to understand the aftermath of brain injury. If you have a brain injury outside Dublin, there are no specialist rehabilitation beds available regionally. This is despite the need for regional rehabilitation centres being clearly outlined in the Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy in 2011 and confirmed again in the 2019 Neuro Rehabilitation Implementation Framework. […]
This week our On With Life Support Groups for families are coming to Kilkenny, Laois and Tipperary! What is On With Life? On With Life is a dedicated support initiative for family and friends affected by brain injury. Support for families We recognise the importance of supporting family and friends as you learn to cope with the challenges after your loved one has a brain injury. Our new brain injury network On With Life is here to support families and friends by providing information, guidance and support on this journey. Living with and caring for someone with a brain injury is a life-changing event. When a brain injury happens, it can be devastating, both for the individual and for family members just like you. It can put lives on hold while your loved one undergoes intense rehabilitation to relearn things, they used to do without thinking. Relationships are an essential part of any brain injury recovery. We are here to say, you are not alone. Laois Support Group Meeting: Date: 8th October Time: 7.30pm-9.00pm Location: St. Peter & Paul’s Parish Centre, Dublin Road, Portlaoise Kilkenny Support Group Meeting: Date: 10th October Time: 7.00pm-8.00pm Location: St. Patrick’s Parish Centre, Loughboy, Kilkenny […]
Run towards a better you in the upcoming Clane 10k run on 9 November organised in aid of our charity. This marks the fourth year of this sell-out event sponsored by T&I Fitouts. You are strongly advised to register as soon as possible to secure a place and avoid disappointment. Last year more than 750 runners and walkers took part and this year, it is going to grow even bigger. The Clane 10k has already become a firm favourite on the Irish running calendar. Don’t miss your chance to take part! Amazing funds raised! Thanks to the incredible organising committee and all the people in Clane who have supported this 10k race because thanks to everyone’s efforts, the Clane 10k has raised almost €60k raised to date!! Imagine! Every cent of this money received by our charity goes towards making life better for brain injury survivors in Kildare, West Dublin and right across Ireland. 5k Family Fun Run To ensure there is something for everyone and to cater for all levels, a 5k Family Fun Run will also take place on 9th November. So why not come and join in the fun with all the family. We don’t mind if you […]
Our ‘On With Life’ programme is a new Brain Injury Family and Friends Support Network and next week we’re coming to Cavan and Monaghan! We know that caring for a loved one with brain injury can be difficult without any help or support. Many family members and friends are thrust into the role of carer without warning. How can I find out more? That’s why we’re here to support you. Read more about On With Life here. Join us in Cavan and Monaghan next week! In the meantime, if you’re in Cavan or Monaghan, why not come along and join us? It’s a great opportunity to meet other people with similar experiences and our experts are on hand with advice and guidance. We’d love to see you! On With Life Support Group Meetings: Cavan Time: 7.30-9.00pm First Tuesday of the month – 1st October, 5th November, 3rd December Meeting held at the Irish Wheelchair Association Unit 1, Block D, Corlurgan Business Park, Cavan, H12 W667 Monaghan Time: 7.30-9.00pm First Wednesday of the month, 2nd October, 6th November, 4th December CRANOG HSE Resource Centre, Bree, Castleblayney, A75 XW77 Contact details: For more information, contact Dolores Gallagher on dgallagher@abiireland.ie or call 086-0102361. Find […]
New research published in today’s Irish Times showed that 70% of cyclists referred to Ireland’s main centre for treating brain damage, were not wearing a helmet at the time of their injury. A total of 26 cyclists were sent for treatment at the neurosurgical centre at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. Eighteen out of 26 cyclists referred to the centre, were not wearing helmets. Mind Your Head – Wear a Helmet That’s why we are urging all cyclists to ‘Mind Your Head’ and wear a helmet, even if it’s for short journeys. We’re not surprised by findings On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, our CEO Barbara O’Connell told listeners that the latest research was not surprising because it confirms much of what we already see in our services. Barbara said: “Nobody ever thinks a brain injury will happen to them and yet it happens to 52 people in this country every day. It is well proven that wearing a helmet reduces the severity of the brain injury by absorbing the impact from the collision. “A helmet won’t prevent every head injury, but it can prevent serious head injuries like skull fractures, and this helps to reduce the amount of time a person […]
