On Thursday 16th May, we were delighted to visit Dún Laoghaire’s LexIcon Library to take part in the 2024 Festival of Inclusion, with an event titled: The Art of Hope. The purpose of this event was to raise awareness of the benefits of Creative Arts for brain health.

The event included presentations from our CEO Karen Foley, Director of Policy and Research, Gráinne McGettrick, and an interview with brain injury survivor and member of our Dún Laoghaire Clubhouse, Paul O’Brien. It also featured creative writing by Clubhouse member Colin Stokes, read by Rehabilitation Assistant Adam Nolan,.

Paul O’Brien’s artwork was displayed throughout the event and there was a beautiful visual of the brain on display, which was designed by our Wexford Clubhouse members using quilled paper.

During the event, Paul spoke about his brain injury and how it led to his newfound passion, art. You can watch a short clip of his inspirational interview below.

‘The Art of Hope’ was open to all and created a fantastic opportunity for people to find out more about brain injury, how to keep your brain healthy, and the benefits of creativity in our lives.  The morning was facilitated by Mike Hanrahan, musician and performer with the band, Stockton’s Wing. Mike ended the event with a beautiful song about hope, followed by n inspirational video of our Tipperary Clubhouse members singing ‘Bouncing Back’ and a Q & A with the audience.

Thank you to everyone who attended the event, we hope you found it insightful.