Brain Injury Foundation offers creative activities and support for adults and carers

Friendship, understanding and support after brain injury

The Brain Injury Foundation provides creative activities, social opportunities and practical support for adults living with brain injury and their unpaid carers. We offer a place to find friendship, explore interests and share experiences.

Based in Camlough and supporting people across the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area, BIF offers in-house activities such as arts and crafts, music, cooking, horticulture, pool, boccia, gentle exercise and wellbeing sessions. Outings, celebrations and respite opportunities give survivors and carers time to enjoy different experiences and spend time together.

At the heart of these services is a recognition that brain injury affects the whole family.

Life can change in an instant

A sudden brain injury can divide family life into before and after. Everyday routines, relationships and plans for the future may change with little warning, leaving both the survivor and those closest to them adjusting to unfamiliar challenges.

Every brain injury is individual. A survivor may experience difficulties with movement, speech, memory, concentration or managing emotions. Fatigue can make previously straightforward activities exhausting. Some effects are visible; others are hidden, meaning someone may look well while facing considerable difficulties in daily life.

Changes in communication, behaviour and emotional responses can also affect relationships. Survivors may find it harder to return to familiar activities or maintain social connections, while family members are learning how best to understand and support them.

When a loved one becomes a carer

A partner, parent or other family member can find themselves taking on a caring role they had never expected. Alongside their relationship with the person they love, they may now be providing daily support and adapting to changes in family responsibilities.

Carers can experience worry, sadness and uncertainty about the future. Caring responsibilities may leave less time for friendships, personal interests and rest. Both survivor and carer may miss aspects of their previous life while working out what life looks like now.

These experiences differ from family to family. Recognising the needs of both the survivor and the carer is central to BIF’s approach.

Still I Am

BIF’s Still I Am survivors programme provides opportunities for expression through art, reflection, storytelling and shared discussion.

The programme’s book brings together members’ artwork and personal reflections on kindness, courage, fear and hope. It recognises that each person has a voice, experiences and something valuable to contribute.

Members do not need to be accomplished artists or confident speakers. The programme creates space to explore identity and express thoughts and feelings in different ways.

Then One Day

Complementing Still I Am, Then One Day is BIF’s creative wellbeing programme for unpaid carers starting this autumn. Its title reflects how suddenly life can change. Through creative activities, reflection and time together, the programme makes room for carers’ own experiences—their challenges, strengths, interests and hopes.

It offers time to connect with other carers, share as much or as little as they wish and take part in something for themselves.

Everyday opportunities for connection

Alongside these programmes, BIF’s wider activities offer different ways to become involved. Some members enjoy learning a skill, gardening or taking part in friendly competition. Others value a conversation over tea and the opportunity to spend time with people who understand.

Information, signposting and peer support help survivors and carers explore available support. Members can participate at their own pace, choosing activities that interest them.

Building connections through Bridge

BIF is also delivering Bridge, a collaboration with Head Injury Support, funded through the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland’s Collaborate programme.

Eleven planned joint sessions, followed by a celebration event, bring members of both organisations together to enjoy shared activities, meet new people and develop friendships.

Come along and get to know us

Together, BIF’s services recognise that life after brain injury involves both the survivor and those who care for them and that both deserve opportunities for enjoyment, understanding and belonging.

If you are living with a brain injury, or caring for someone who is, you are warmly welcome at BIF. Whether the injury happened recently or many years ago, contact us to arrange a visit, meet the team and find out what interests you.

You do not need to know anyone already or feel ready to join an activity straight away. A first visit can simply be a cup of tea, a chat and a chance to look around.