A group of local people who have shown courage and determination to get their lives back on track following accidents which have left them with brain injuries, are to be honoured next week.
The “Return to Real Life” programme helps people with acquired brain injuries come to terms with the “hidden disability” which can destroy lives.
“We’re so proud of this year's graduates who have gone through the Return to Real Life brain injury rehabilitation programme,” said Consultant Neuropsychologist, Dr David Quinn, who runs the scheme.
“Someone with a brain injury could be standing next to you at the bus queue or in the supermarket - it is the ‘hidden disability’ that can destroy lives and tear families apart,” he added.
“It is no respecter of age, background, race or creed. On a daily basis we witness the courage and determination of our clients in facing the many challenges that having a brain injury present.”
He added that symptoms after suffering an acquired brain injury include seeing a familiar face but not being able to remember a name, always feeling tired and struggling to accept the person you have become.
It results in people losing jobs and careers, their families, hobbies and interests. “Crucially, these are the things that tell us who we are,” added Dr Quinn.
“Any one of these challenges would be enough to face without a brain injury to contend with, let alone facing them all at the same time.
“On Tuesday evening next week we will witness and celebrate the achievement of our clients completing the rehabilitation programme, which marks their transition into a new life and back into our community.”