Karen has been diagnosed with brain damage after an operation on her sinuses and suffering from a rare form of meningitis. Since learning about the BIG Group both Karen and Ian have enjoyed coming to the BIG events boosting confidence in socialising.

Karen’s heath deteriorated after a sinus operation 10 years ago. She was diagnosed after 2 years of assessments and scans as having brain damage. It was as a result of a rare form of meningitis probably caused by or related to her sinus operation and a subsequent infection.

As a family we were very isolated and not made aware of any supports. We decided to make family arrangements to ensure that Karen got the care she required. I arranged with my work to take on a 4 day on/4 day off rota. Both our daughters also arranged their working hours to ensure that care was always available for Karen. Karen’s physical health improved but her care requirements and her lack of confidence to go out and meet people meant that there were severe restrictions on family life and continuing isolation.

I first heard about BIG group when attending the Head Injury Information Day in 2015. We are now regular attendees at BIG events and both Karen and I thoroughly enjoy them. We are comfortable in the company of others who have had similar experiences able to talk, laugh and share. Karen’s confidence has been hugely boosted.

I am now a BIG committee member. Learning about and getting involved with BIG Group has been like a door opening. I wish I had known about BIG Group years ago!

Getting involved with the BIG Group has been like a door opening.

Alan suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage in November 2005 while working 1000 miles north of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He was flown to hospital in Edmonton where he was in a coma for over 5 weeks. On discharge from hospital Alan returned to Fort Nelson but resources were very limited and there were no specific Brain Injury services to allow any substantial rehabilitation. In May 2007 Alan’s brother Ian had to go to Canada to repatriate him after reports of a lack of care and mismanagement of his finances.

On return to the UK Alan attended Momentum where the Pathways program was a great help in kick starting his delayed rehabilitation. Alan along with this brother Ian became actively involved. Now over 10 years on from his Acquired Brain Injury Alan is living in his own flat, with support. Routine is very important in allowing Allan to live as independently as he can. He is very accepting of new placements for each day of the working week.

Always smiling Alan attends almost all of the BIG Group events. Despite the challenges that life has presented him with Alan has a very positive outlook on life.

Brother Ian is an ex convenor of BIG Group and remains as an active member on the committee today.

Despite the challenges that life has presented him with Alan has a very positive outlook on life.