Survivor or loved one, the impact of brain injury can be devastating.
It leaves lives upturned, futures more uncertain, and once-familiar relationships changed.
That was the reality for mother and daughter Avril and Sophie, whose lives would never be the same again after Sophie had emergency brain surgery at the age of just 19.
Avril dropped everything to care for Sophie. But without her regular walking clubs and social groups, she began to feel isolated and alone.
With all the attention on the brain injury survivors, their carers can often get overlooked. But we see you. And we’re here to support you too.
Avril is sharing her story to highlight this year’s Action for Brain Injury (ABI) Week campaign, We See You.
Avril said:
“When Sophie had surgery, she couldn’t do anything- she couldn’t eat or speak. It was just horrendous seeing her in that condition.”
“Then further into her recovery, she’d forget things, like leave taps running or cookers on. I couldn’t go out because I knew I needed to be there for her.
“I had to give up all the groups that I did. I used to go walking up mountains with the dogs and be out with friends and exercise groups- it was just so much fun. And then it just all came to a sudden standstill.”
Avril and Sophie are far from alone in their experiences with Headway UK survey results showing that 63% of survivors and just under half of carers (45%) are unable to participate in the same social activities as they did pre-injury.
And a staggering 87% of brain injury survivors and 85% of carers feel lonely after brain injury, despite never having felt this way before.
Thankfully Avril and Sophie found Headway. The pair attended Headway Meirionnydd to meet others affected by brain injury and say their lives have changed for the better since.
“From that first meeting, it’s just been amazing how her life has changed,” Avril said.
“She shines when she comes in the room. She’s a happier person, especially when we do activities like paper making with flowers or her favourite activity, Boccia. The competitiveness comes out in her, it’s hilarious to see!
“Her personality just comes out, and I think Headway did that for Sophie.
“It’s lovely to see it back again.”
Latest survey results
To view the full results of our surveys, download the full report or a short-form summary to explore the results in more detail.
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