Member Stories

My name is John, I acquired my brain injury in March, 2006 as a result of an assault.

For the first couple of years post injury, I struggled with all the usual things that come with brain injury like fatigue, memory and concentration, speech and reading problems, forgetfulness, anger and depression, just to mention a few.

I was on a very lonely path with no signs of anything getting better. I was a guy with two faces, one for the general public and the real one I had to live with everyday. I really felt I was on my own. I then started attending the Brain Injury unit in Portadown to help me with my problems.

In early 2008, I received an invitation to attend the launch of Headway - Newry in Ballybot House. I attended that meeting in the hope that things might change for me. I met a few people that night with brain injuries and learnt that they also had similar problems to mine.

Headway then had meetings every month and I could not wait for them to come round. The more meetings I attended, the more Brain Injury Survivors I met and became very good friends. After a short time with Headway I realised that everyone here was the same as me and I could take my mask off and relax. I felt really comfortable. Headway has been running several social events and weekends away, which I enjoy very much and also have a drop - in club every Friday night in our premises.

I was asked if I would become a member of the committee, which, at the time I thought - why me, I have nothing to offer, upon which I was told with me being a survivor I was wearing the T-shirt.

I accepted and now attend the committee meetings on a monthly basis.

I shall try to help other survivors so that they are not on their own.

The lonely path that I was once on is now a faded memory and I owe this all to Headway, my new adopted family.

My name is Maureen and the question posed to me was -

What does Headway mean to me?

I was in a state of turmoil and despair when I first joined Headway. My sister was losing her fight for life after five years battling cancer. Our son's life was spiraling out of control. He had been assaulted and suffered a brain injury as a result of this. He had lost the will to live and we could do nothing.

I joined the yoga class and learned relaxation, breathing and mind focusing techniques which I found extremely difficult given the state of tension I was in. But it was our yoga instructor Michael's sense of humour, the good natured response and laughter from others that persuaded me to return. I look forward to this class now.

My attendance at the course "If not now, when" given by Mary encouraged me -through shared discussion and thought provoking exercises - to think of the importance of my own life, of the skills and talents which I had sadly neglected. A new resolve was born - to start painting again. I neglect the housework now.

The weekend in Kells for Carers, although daunting at first, was very rewarding. The dedication and organisational skills of Frank and Aileen were inspirational and thanks to them the chance to talk and share experiences with other carers during the set programme helped to release much of the anguish in my heart. To be in the company of others who had their own heartaches but could set their problems aside to ensure the enjoyment and fun for everyone was another lesson learned - my thanks to the strangers whom I now consider to be my friends.

The trip to Donegal for both survivors and carers was the real eye-opener. It was a privilege to be part of this group of people who had come together to enjoy a great weekend of fun and laughter set in motion by the great singing talent of Frank on the bus. The interchange of caring for one another was to be experienced to be believed and I have since had just that sense of being cared for from many. I would like to thank you all especially the survivors whom I think of now as part of my family circle.

An opportunity for me to give something back came through bag packing and the Silent Auction. I thoroughly enjoyed rummaging in the attics of family to gather up what I could and donating some old paintings gathering dust in the wardrobe gave me space to do a few more [and fill it up again]. It was a natural step for me to offer help with the painting of the walls of the new premises under the expert guidance of Brian, Aiden and Desie . My thanks to them for trusting me to help make a difference and to those who provided good food to be shared in the company of so many who came to clean, move furniture etc.

Personally my life has changed since Headway came to Newry. For me it has meant a journey of fun and laughter and a warm welcome from Sheila and Majella when I arrive at the centre. But most of all it has become a journey of 'Hope'

Hope for our son whose life has been transformed since joining Headway a few months ago.

Hope for his future happiness and wellbeing. He now has access to a safe environment where he is loved and cared for by a whole new extended family circle which has given him a sense of belonging outside the home. Thank you for embracing our son into your hearts and loving him as we do.

Andy now has friends to share his troubles and concerns with, friends to keep in touch with him and encourage him to participate in events - especially Aine who shows so much caring towards him and the other survivors. He has friends to welcome his company and friends he enjoys spending time with. He is encouraged to use his skills and talents and to learn new ones. He now has a purpose in life - a reason for living.

This is what Headway Newry has done for us and I thank them for being here.

Now I would like to pay tribute to our son for the effort he is making, for his courage and willingness to give, for his struggle to move forward, for his sensitivity and caring for others, for his loyalty to us as a family, for his sense of humour and lastly for his extraordinary talents and commitment to Headway.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank other services which have helped Andrew since head injury: Millvale in Bessbrook, Cedar Foundation, and the Brain Injury Team.