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Thanks to medical advances, more people than ever before are surviving acquired brain injuries. These can result from a wide range of causes, including traumatic falls, accidents, tumours, hypoxia, disease, and strokes. Although often invisible to others, acquired brain injuries can lead to significant challenges such as mobility and speech difficulties, along with cognitive and behavioural changes. Survivors are frequently faced with the daunting task of adapting to an entirely new way of life.
In recent months, members of Newry based charity Head Injury Support have been working on a powerful new podcast that explores what it is really like to live with an acquired brain injury.
Titled My HIStory, the podcast is an innovative collaboration between Head Injury Support and WheelWorks, a Northern Ireland charity that combines art with digital technology. Supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the series gives survivors a platform to share their personal stories and reflect on the many obstacles they have overcome.
Each episode is honest, inspiring, and often deeply moving. Participants speak openly about their experiences, offering hope and encouragement to others who are living with brain injuries or supporting a loved one through recovery.
The podcast also highlights the vital work of Head Injury Support, which provides advice, respite, and practical support to individuals and their families as they adjust to life after brain injury.
One participant shared:
“When I first had an acquired brain injury, I thought my life was over. I couldn’t walk or talk, and I lost all of my confidence and hope overnight. At Head Injury Support, I found people who understood. I developed new skills and discovered a safe, welcoming space where I felt accepted. That support helped me rebuild my confidence, make new friends, and move forward with my life.”
Reflecting on their experience with the podcast, they added:
“I loved being part of the project. WheelWorks were so supportive, and I learned a lot about recording and about being open in sharing my experience. I hope that by telling my story, I can help others see that there is life after brain injury.”
The My HIStory podcast will be downloadable from 30 September on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Listen today to hear these powerful stories and gain a better understanding of acquired brain injury and the important work of Head Injury Support.
Listen on Spotify open.spotify.com
Listen on Apple Podcasts podcasts.apple.com/
📍 For more information, or to access support or get involved, visit www.headinjurysupport.com
