Action for Brain Injury Week 2023

Every 90 Seconds – Action for Brain Injury Week Press Release

Action for Brain Injury Week (ABI Week) takes place 15th to 21st May 2023. This year’s theme, ‘Take A Second’ which focusses on a powerful statistic: Every 90 seconds, someone in the UK is admitted to hospital with a brain injury. Many more are living with the long-term effects.

ABI Week seeks to raise awareness of the effects of acquired brain injury and how it only ‘takes a second’ for a life to be completely knocked off course.

Strokes, falls, road traffic collisions, assaults, brain tumours, meningitis these are just a few causes of brain injury. Brain injuries can have devastating, life-long effects to anyone affected, including loved ones. Regular support, provision of regular activities, guidance and help to those living with brain injury is key to long term support and to help individuals and their families

A collective of local charities referred to as the ABI Working Group is composed of organisations who provide services to children, adults, and their families across Northern Ireland. The partnership which includes Brain Injury Matters, The Cedar Foundation, Child Brain Injury Trust, and Headway UK in partnership with the Department of Health and SPPG are asking the public to ‘Take a Second’ and become ABI Aware. 

The theme will focus on raising awareness of acquired brain injury, its prevalence, effects, and the support needs of those living with brain injury and their families. It is hoped that this understanding can highlight the stark statistics that every 90 seconds someone is admitted to hospital with a brain injury.                                                              

The ask is that the public will take a second to learn more about the prevalence of brain injury. Take a second to find out the long-term effects of brain injury. Take a Second to understand the support and service needs of people affected by brain injury and their families.

Melanie Bowden, Network Support Manager for Headway in Northern Ireland said “the significant prevalence of acquired brain injury (ABI) across all ages is important to recognise. The support that our charities offer, is vital to re-able survivors, with both physical and hidden disabilities and their family members, to manage their daily and future lives. “

Ann Marie Fox, Commissioner Strategic Planning and Performance Group said “I am delighted to promote this year’s theme for ABI Week. This partnership has raised the profile of Acquired Brain Injury in Northern Ireland for over a decade. It reflects a partnership approach to support those who are living with brain injury whilst raising much needed awareness with the public “.

The key takeaways from this year’s theme are Every 90 Seconds someone is affected by brain injury in the UK Take a Second to find out more.

You can find more information on the services at each of the partner websites:

Brain Injury Matters

Headway

Child Brain Injury Trust

The Cedar Foundation )

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#ABIWeek2023     #Every90seconds   #TakeaSecond