Every 90 seconds, someone in the UK is admitted to hospital with a brain injury while many more are living with the long-term effects.
With this in mind, a group of Northern Ireland charities have come together to urge people to take a second to learn more about the prevalence of brain injury this Action for Brain Injury (ABI) Week.
ABI Week, which kicks off today, seeks to raise awareness of the effects of acquired brain injury and how it only ‘takes a second’ for a life to be completely knocked off course.
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Strokes, falls, road traffic collisions, assaults, brain tumours, meningitis are just a few causes of brain injury. Brain injuries can have devastating, life-long effects to anyone affected, including loved ones.
Regular support, provision of regular activities, guidance and help to those living with brain injury is key to long term support and to help individuals and their families
A collective of local charities referred to as the ABI Working Group is composed of organisations who provide services to children, adults, and their families across Northern Ireland.
The partnership, which includes Brain Injury Matters, The Cedar Foundation, Child Brain Injury Trust, and Headway UK in partnership with the Department of Health and SPPG, is asking the public to ‘take a second’ and become ABI Aware.
The theme will focus on raising awareness of acquired brain injury, its prevalence, effects, and the support needs of those living with brain injury and their families. It's hoped that this understanding can highlight the stark statistic that every 90 seconds someone is admitted to hospital with a brain injury.
One of the most active members in the ABI Working Group's fortnightly sports group is Dee Delaney from the Finaghy area. Following a serious road traffic collision in early adulthood, he was left with a brain injury, which left him with multiple physical injuries.
Not someone to let life get the better of him however, Dee worked hard daily to get his speech and movement back from little or nothing. He moved from intensive care and rehabilitation over many months and years to get back on track.
Dee's pathway in life took a turn he wasn’t expecting but he has journeyed along it with an optimistic view. Part of his journey in recovery was to write a book about his experience to show others there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Now he has an active, fulfilled life as he parents his teenage son, takes part in many activities through Headway and other social groups; and enjoys holidays with family and friends.
Dee's book is called ‘Unbroken: Living with a Brain Injury’ and will be in available in Finaghy and Newtownbreda public libraries during ABI Week from May 15th-21st.
Melanie Bowden, Network Support Manager for Headway in Northern Ireland said: “The significant prevalence of acquired brain injury (ABI) across all ages is important to recognise.
“The support that our charities offer is vital to re-able survivors, with both physical and hidden disabilities and their family members, to manage their daily and future lives.“
Ann Marie Fox, Commissioner Strategic Planning and Performance Group, added: “I am delighted to promote this year’s theme for ABI Week.
“This partnership has raised the profile of Acquired Brain Injury in Northern Ireland for over a decade. It reflects a partnership approach to support those who are living with brain injury whilst raising much needed awareness with the public.“
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