The Brain Injury Foundation was launched in 2012 and has members from all over Newry and Mourne, Armagh, Banbridge and Dungannon. BIF differs from many charities in that it is service user led. Almost all of the Management Committee are brain injury survivors or carers At the heart of BIF's services is a weekly Open House every Friday night. Other services include a weekly Triple T Club aimed at survivors, water aerobic and pilates classes, theatre outings, social events, annual respite holidays
Why the community needs us
We have over 100 members and have dramatically changed the lives of many of them. Brain injury means that many survivors and their carers become almost totally isolated resulting in depression, stress, anxiety, lack of self-esteem and loneliness. Our activities have provided members with a wide range of new friends, new skills and pastimes and have significantly broadened horizons and aspirations. We are developing a new centre of excellence just outside Newry which will increase our services.
Our impact on the community
We base our services and activities on the needs of our members and last year provided on a totally voluntary basis 12,000 hours of respite care and these have resulted in reduced isolation, new skills, enhanced self-esteem, new confidence and hope. We have raised the profile of acquired brain injury in our area. We are completely voluntary and have created a team of volunteers who are totally committed to our work.
