Brain Awareness Week set to take place at Dunboyne centre

TO MARK National Brain Awareness Week (9th to 15th March), RehabCare Dunboyne is inviting members of the public to attend an information and awareness event at the RehabCare Resource Centre on Rooske Road, Dunboyne, on Thursday, 12th March from noon to 2pm, with an audience presentation taking place at 12.30pm. The information event, which is free of charge, will enable people to meet with local organisations that provide support and information to people with neurological conditions and their families. Attendees will also be given the opportunity to hear first-hand accounts of those living with a neurological condition. According to the Health Service Executive, over 700,000 people in Ireland are affected by neurological conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord. In partnership with the Health Service Executive in Meath, the RehabCare Resource Centre in Dunboyne provides a wide range of supports and services to over 40 people with physical and sensory disabilities, including many experiencing neurological conditions such as acquired brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson"s disease, motor neurone disease, strokes (cerebral vascular disease) and cerebral palsy. Programmes at RehabCare Dunboyne are tailored to meet the individual needs of all those who attend the service. This person-centred approach supports people in areas such as personal development and independence, community integration and, where possible, part-time work. Peter McKevitt, general manager, RehabCare North-East/Midlands, said: 'The information session will demonstrate how the range of supports and individualised programmes provided by RehabCare can help individuals and their families to cope with their situation and with changes in their life. 'These programmes, which are designed with a rehabilitative, developmental and therapeutic focus, include computers, creative writing, art and photography together with social and leisure programmes and therapeutic supports. All of these are specifically designed to build people"s capacity for independence and to enhance their daily living skills.' There will be a Brain Awareness Week Carers" Day in Simonstown GAA Club on Wednesday, 11th March, from 10am-1pm, organised by the Peter Bradley Foundation.