BRAW weekend in Strathspey
Brain injury survivors and their families are travelling from across the country for a special event at the Badaguish Activity Centre by Aviemore.
BRAW 17 (Badaguish Relaxation and Activity Weekend) starts today (Friday, May 5) for three days, providing "a relaxing environment where attendees can participate in a range of new experiences and activities they may not have experienced prior to their brain injury."
The new event, organised by Headway – the brain injury association, aims to help attendees learn lost social skills and face a new challenges together.
Maria Burnett, Headway’s Network Support Co-ordinator for the East of Scotland, said: "Brain injury affects people in many ways, as well as physical affects, cognitive skills can also be impaired or it can lead to emotional and behavioural changes. Many survivors also suffer from social isolation which can result in a loss of confidence and difficulties in communicating or interacting with others.
"BRAW 17 provides a opportunity for people to come together from across Scotland to learn new social skills that will hopefully provide them with a boost in confidence and help them cope with some of the challenges brain injury can bring."
Fiona Grant-MacDonald, from East Lothian, is just one brain injury survivor attending the event.
She said: "The BRAW activity weekend provides me with an opportunity to be a part of something extra special.
"It will give me a chance to help other survivors realise their own potential despite their difficulties and I am delighted to be invited. I hope to be able help those less fortunate than myself to take part in activities and events designed to further their own social rehabilitation.
"I have found since my brain haemorrhage many cognitive skills have been impaired, as well as emotional and behavioral changes which are subtle but impact me daily. This weekend will help my own confidence to try and address these in a safe and supported environment. To be part of the first event of its kind to be held in Scotland and a be a celebration of the achievements of brain injury survivors is an honour as well as an opportunity for all to take part in."
