An acquired brain injury occurs after birth and may be from a road traffic incident, stroke, meningitis, encephalitis, tumour, aneurysm, sporting accident, work injury, domestic violence, hypoxia, assault or a fall.  Whatever the cause, when a person’s life is turned upside down by this unexpected event, we aim to provide the support, help and guidance they need to re-establish their lives.

Clients often have to learn to live with their brain injury and adapt their lives to accommodate it. Fatigue is often the most debilitating, long lasting symptom they have to deal with. Through our initial Hospital Liaison Service and Counselling, we help clients come to terms with what’s happen, as well as supporting their families who can often become carers overnight. We also offer Outreach Support to individual clients at home, day centre sessions around Sussex and monthly support groups for people to connect with others living with acquired brain injury.

We also work with professionals in the local community to provide training and information on acquired brain injury as well as connect our services to other services.

After their initial critical care in hospital, many clients are discharged back into the community and are expected to function as normal. For some with the support of their family this is possible. For others more help is required. This is where we step in.

Listen to Paul’s story to understand more.

We offer outreach support to clients in their own home enabling them to live fulfilling lives in their local community. Whether it’s help with shopping, paying bills, arranging and attending a doctors appointment or simply going out for a walk, our team supports our clients. We also run monthly Support Groups which give the opportunity to meet with others living locally with an acquired brain injury. Many clients gain some comfort to know they are not alone in how they’re feeling or the symptoms they’re experiencing.

Our Future’s & Group helps those looking to get back to work.

Our National Lottery funded Living Well Programme offers clients the chance to take part in social activities, craft sessions, gardening, exercise and meet with friends. We build in mental and gentle physical exercise and help provide structure, familiarity and routine into a clients’ life. This also provides some respite time for their family carer.

It’s not just the individual living with the acquired brain injury who’s affected. Often a close family member becomes their carer or takes over responsibilities of running a household, with all the additional pressures that come with it.

We can offer advice, direct to resources that can help them and offer respite whilst their loved ones are with us.

Take a listen to Chris’ story about caring for his wife after her brain injury.

There are many ways you can help us carry out the work we do around Sussex.

Could you volunteer for us?

We welcome volunteers to all our centres and support group meetings. Whether it’s giving a friendly welcome, making tea, sharing a skill or offering your professional services, we welcome all enquiries.

Could you fundraise for us?

Community events are a great way to raise money, whether you’re sporty, a keen baker or holding a social event to raise money. We encourage all fundraisers to set up a donation page linked to our account on Just Giving so all money is paid directly to us. We also benefit from Gift Aid on donations where the possible.

Could you donate to us?

Every donation counts and as a charity we rely on the goodwill of our local community to help us continue to deliver our services. Whether you can make a one-off donation or set up a regular one, every penny helps people with a brain injury to live well in Sussex.