Step Ahead Plus: New Track
A brain injury can affect your ability to work or study
Step Ahead Plus offers online group information sessions for those seeking new employment or education. These sessions are designed to share information and resources that you can use to explore options and supports to start your journey of finding a course or job.
We also have occasional work placement opportunities.
Who can take part in Step Ahead Plus?
- Do you have a primary diagnosis of acquired brain injury (This means the main health condition you have is an acquired brain injury)?
- Are you medically stable (This means you are not having medical treatment now)?
- Are you able to access videocall software (zoom, or Microsoft Teams)?
- Are you happy to be signed up to our learning management system to complete courses after attending the information sessions?
- Are you willing to provide proof of age? (We are funded by the EU and it is part of their requirement that we check everyone is over 16 years through passport, drivers licence or birth certificate)
If you meet these five conditions, Step Ahead Plus may suit you.
Step Ahead Plus is not suitable for you if you have any of these conditions:
- A degenerative condition such as Huntington’s Disease or Parkinson’s Disease
- Progressive organic disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease
- Alcohol-related brain injury
Our upcoming online group dates
- Thursday, 23rd January from 3pm – 4pm
Please note, these information sessions are run in a webinar style and are not peer support groups.
If you would like to register now for a group, please fill out the registration form below.
The topics we cover in our online group information sessions include:
- To understand what career exploration is and why it might be helpful.
- To introduce MyFuture+ as a career exploration exercise platform.
- To understand how to consider your needs when exploring jobs and courses.
- To learn what Disclosure is.
- To understand how you can disclose in work and education.
- To learn what reasonable accommodations are.
- To learn how you can prepare for returning to work or education.
- To learn about volunteering as a work preparation activity and how to find volunteer opportunities.
- To explore how to manage brain injury symptoms using the 4 Ps.
- To learn how to develop a CV.
- To learn how to tailor a CV.
- Cover Letter Tips.
- To learn how to search, research and apply for jobs.
- To identify in-demand career sectors in Ireland.
- To understand how a recruitment service might operate.
- To understand how to prepare before an interview.
- To explore interview strategies during at an interview.
- To learn how to debrief after an interview.
- To explore different course options and providers available in Ireland.
- To learn how to research courses.
- Tips for course applications.
- To explore the relationship between returning to work or education and receiving social welfare payments.
- To understand what social welfare grants are available to support return-to-work.
- To explore what supports and services are available.
Participant Experiences
James is self-employed. He acquired a brain injury at the age of 52 after suffering a cardiac arrest. His greatest struggles following his brain injury were memory loss, concentration and fatigue. Thanks to Step Ahead Plus, James is now back at work and starting to get his life and independence back.
Sharon had a stroke in December 2020. As a result of her acquired brain injury, Sharon has problems with her memory, concentration and fatigue. Step Ahead Plus supported Sharon to prepare for a return to work.
In 2018, Belinda had an aneurysm. She had to learn to walk and talk again. When she returned home, Belinda found it overwhelming to plan, make decisions, and get things done. She came to Step Ahead Plus because she wanted to get back to work. Thanks to the service, she began to flourish and her concentration improved.
High Success Rate
From 2021 to 2023
We supported 234 people.
53% returned to Employment
21% returned to Education
Holistic Benefits
Our research shows that participants in the Step Ahead Plus programme experienced improved sleep, routine, pride, finances, mental health, confidence, and the ability to self-advocate.
Evidence Based
Our team is committed to providing an evidence based service. We have contributed to the vocational rehabilitation research field.
Find out about other Step Ahead Plus supports
Step Ahead Plus: Fast Track
This programme will help identify changes you can make in how you work or study, to support you to remain in work or education.
Step Ahead Plus: Employer Track
We are developing an inclusive work placement programme for individuals to gain work skills and industry-based experience.
