Support for parents and carers of a child with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is currently limited in Ireland.
That’s why we are particularly grateful to the RTÉ Late Late Toy Show Appeal, The Community Foundation for Ireland, and the public for the funding that has helped to make this project happen!
The new On With Life project will establish a national support network aiming to improve the wellbeing of children and their families with an ABI. The project will provide parent and carer peer-support, as well as relevant and timely educational and information resources.
A brain injury is sudden, disruptive, life-changing, and terrifying for both a child and their parent. Every brain injury is unique, with many leading to physical, cognitive, sensory, or intellectual challenges. Brain Injury is a specialised area and the skills required to support children may not be available in non-specialist disability service providers.
Our new On With Life project can help support this service gap. We have gained much experience through our programme for carers of adults living with an acquired brain injury, and we have evidence-based research that peer support and timely, relevant information can improve the wellbeing of the whole family. This also improves outcomes for the child living with an Acquired Brain Injury.
It is anticipated that 50 children and young people aged between 5 and 18 with acquired brain injuries will benefit from this project.
