Revamped Brí support group plans major fundraiser

BRÍ, the independent brain injury advocacy and support organisation, has revamped and relaunched its Meath support group, and is holding a major fundraising event at the end of February in Navan. In Ireland, approximately 50,000 people live with permanent disabilities resulting from Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). Most ABI occurs with a trauma to the head from incidents such as a car crash, fall or fight. Most people who get traumatic brain injuries are young people. There are very few resources for people with ABI and there is almost no support for carers. The Meath support group is one of the oldest Brí support groups in Ireland and had traditionally been based in Kells. The group has now moved to the IWA premises at Kells Road, Navan, and there are two new facilitators for the group. Richard Lowry and Anne Hopkins facilitate the monthly meetings. Ned Rispin is the National Development Officer for Brí. He works from an office at his home, just outside Navan, for three days a week and his main work is to develop and co-ordinate the support groups around Ireland. He also works on projects with young people affected by ABI and carers. On a national level, Mr Rispin works with the Brí board to advocate for better services for those affected by ABI. He explained: “There is only one rehabilitation hospital in Ireland and, for every person lucky enough to get in, there are three others waiting. When somebody gets a brain injury, they are normally rushed to their local hospital. If the injury is severe, they are then sent to either Beaumont Hospital or Cork University Hospital where they will receive specialised treatment. After this, they are either returned to the original hospital or referred to Dun Laoghaire for intensive rehabilitation.†When people come home after treatment in hospital, they can be left without much support. Community services work hard and provide the best service they can, but there is a lot of work to be done in the area of rehabilitation after brain injury. After a brain injury, there is a high degree of isolation as people have to adjust to a new life. The person with ABI can experience difficulties in communication, understanding, comprehension, planning, seeing, hearing and have inhibitions. This also has a large impact on the family. Neighbours and friends are very supportive immediately after a car crash or a stroke, but sometimes this is a long-term support and social networks are lost. Support group meetings are a place where people can go to meet other people in the same boat and develop friendships in a safe environment. “By attending support group meetings, I can see the power in peer support and learning from others,†Mr Rispin explained. 'A Belly Full Of Laughs' is the fundraising celebrity 'Ready-Steady-Cook' and comedy extravaganza event in aid of Brí taking place at the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, on Friday 25th February. RTE presenter Kathryn Thomas will be master of ceremonies for a night filled with good food, while chef Andrew Rudd will cook up a storm with a 'Ready Steady Cook'-style cooking demonstration. And for dessert, comedian Andrew Stanley will provide the laughs. Some surprises are in store on the night also, as Kathryn Thomas presents 'a before and after' with 20 people who have changed their looks considerably to fundraise for Brí over the months of January and February. These 20 people include local politicians, sportspeople and well-known celebrities. An auction will take place with exclusive items such as the Irish Rugby jersey signed by the entire team. Brí is also seeking volunteers who are up for a bit of fun and would be willing to dye their hair over the next month. 'Before and after' interviews will be carried out by Kathryn Thomas and these volunteers will attend the celebrity night, playing a big part in raising much-needed funds for Brí. Tickets for 'A Belly Full of Laughs' are €25 which includes buffet dinner and the full evening's entertainment. Tickets are available through several outlets, including the Ardboyne Hotel, the Newgrange Hotel and E2 Music Store in Navan, from Ned Rispin on (086) 382 1033 or at the Brí head office on (01) 235 5501.