the brain injury association

1. the brain injury association HEADWAY ESSEX COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICE Providing support for people living with the effects of acquired brain injury

2. the brain injury association WHO ARE OUR SERVICES FOR? Adults aged 18 and over who’ve had either a traumatic or non-traumatic brain injury Carers, relatives and friends of the above Other relevant persons – e.g. Employers Educational bodies Health & Social Care professionals

3. the brain injury association Brain Teasers! 1 How much does the average brain weigh? a) 1 lb b) 3 lbs c) 5 lbs 2 The right side of the brain controls the left side of the body. True or false? 3 Like a broken leg, the brain can repair itself after being damaged. True or false? 4 What percentage of traffic accidents are associated with the use of alcohol? a) 5% b) 10% c) 25%

4. the brain injury association Brain Teasers! 5 Complete recovery from a severe brain injury is generally possible. True or false? 6 The brain is made up of how many nerve cells? a) 50 billion b) 100 billion c) 150 billion 7 Physical problems present the biggest difficultiesafter brain injury. True or false? 8 Cyclists who wear a helmet reduce the risk of braininjury by… 25% 50% 85%

5. the brain injury association Imagine... Waking up and not recognising your own child Not remembering your friends Having to re-learn your life

6. the brain injury association More facts about head injuries Males at least twice as likely to sustain head injuries than females 5 times more likely between 15 – 29 20% of child head injuries happen when they’re cycling Cyclists who wear helmets are 85% less at risk from head injuries

8. The brain injury association Causes of brain injury * Non Trauma: Stroke Brain tumour Viral infection Haemorrhage Drug/alcohol abuse

9. Lobes of the Cerebrum Limbic Lobe Frontal Lobe Parietal Lobe Occipital Lobe Temporal Lobe

10. Frontal Lobe • The frontal lobe is the area of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions. • These include: • Problem solving • Spontaneity • Memory • Language • Motivation • Judgment • Impulse control • Social and sexual behavior.

11. Temporal Lobe • The temporal lobe plays a role in emotions, and is also responsible for: • Smelling • Tasting • Perception • Memory • Understanding music • Aggressiveness • Sexual behavior • The temporal lobe also contains the language area of the brain.

12. Parietal Lobe • The parietal lobe plays a role in our sensations of touch, smell, and taste. It also processes: • Sensory input • Spatial awareness • Eye-hand co-ordination • Arm movement. • The parietal lobe also contains a specialised region called Wernicke’s area that is responsible for matching written words with the sound of spoken speech.

13. Occipital Lobe The occipital lobe is at the rear of the brain and controls vision and recognition.

14. The brain injury association What is affected in an acquired brain injury Any one or a combination of these problems following a brain injury will affect personal, family, social, educational or working life.

15. WHAT WE DO: INITIAL REFERRALS: Telephone information, & advice (a listening ear) AND…… Life After B/I Group; Carers’ workshops; School talks; DVD project. HOSPITAL OR HOME VISITS: Leading to assessments and support plans RAISE AWARENESS: Networking; Presentations; Information days. COMMUNITY SUPPORT DIRECT SUPPORT: Support Groups; Refer to Day Centre; Access activities; Talk to employers; Benefits; Helping people cope; Work alongside other agencies. SIGNPOST: To social services; To GPs; CABs; DEAs at Jobcentres; Other supportive agencies (eg: Housing, In Touch..)

16. the brain injury association SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS Basildon Chelmsford Clacton Colchester (for carers only) Benfleet (for carers only) Benefits for attenders: • The feeling of “not being alone” • Information - from those present - and from speakers: (eg: OTs, physios, S&LTs, PALS, solicitors, DEAs, driving assessment centres, from other group members)

17. the brain injury association THE HEADWAY CENTRE - COLCHESTER Specialist Day Centre for people who have sustained ABI - understanding of how ABI has affected them;- improve confidence and self esteem;- re-education of lost skills;- social interaction and activities;- peer support

18. the brain injury association CARERS WORKSHOPS Topics covered:Anatomy of the brain Relationships/roles/responsibilities What services are out there? - social services- benefits advisors- carers organisations- counselling services- alternative therapies

19. RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT ABI Talks at schools(Mainly to sixth forms) On brain injury andtaking preventativemeasures WEAR YOUR HELMET!!-sport, leisure and work The DVD project The experiences of people who havesustained ABI the brain injury association

20. the brain injury association LIFE AFTER BRAIN INJURY GROUP Benfleet Office • To provide information & knowledge of brain injury • To increase understanding of the effects of brain injury and how to cope • Peer support, increased confidence and self esteem • Opportunity to re-develop social skills

21. The brain injury association What is affected in an acquired brain injury Any one or a combination of these problems following a brain injury will affect personal, family, social, educational or working life.

22. the brain injury association WHAT WE DON’T DO Givemedical advice Provide legal advice Provide a ‘hands on’ (outreach) service

23. the brain injury association CONTENT What we do Our services Developments for the future