Kirby Group Engineering is making a donation to Acquired Brain Injury Ireland (ABII), to support their work in Meath.

Around 19,000 people acquire a brain injury in Ireland every year. They happen suddenly and can be caused by road traffic accidents, strokes, assaults, falls and infections such as meningitis. Because every injury is unique, each one needs a tailor-made rehabilitation plan.

ABII has established support, social and cognitive groups to help people right across the country. Kirby’s donation of €25,000 for the team at ABI Meath will be used by the charity to pilot a new Clubhouse for their county.

People who suffer an acquired brain injury often find their recovery to be isolating and lonely. Acquired Brain Injury Ireland support groups create welcoming and supportive environments where members are encouraged to develop new relationships, interests and to build on their individual strengths and capabilities. The groups are client-centred and combine a range of cognitive, social, educational, creative and rehabilitative activities.

ABII says that when someone acquires a brain injury it doesn’t just happen to them – it dramatically affects the whole family. The charity’s Clubhouses are critical in allowing families and carers to have a break during their week, sustaining their health, wellbeing, avoiding carer burnout and supporting social integration for both the person and their family.

Taidgh Dooley, Associate Director of Kirby’s Leinster Business Unit says, “Supporting the communities in which we work is very important to us at Kirby. We’re proud to play our part in helping the work of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland empowering people to live to their potential.”

Barbara O’Connell, Chief Executive and Founder of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland says, “We are so grateful to the Kirby Group for its generous donation which will make such a difference to so many people living with brain injury in Meath.

It’s difficult to believe but some 19,000 individuals in Ireland acquire a brain injury in Ireland every year – that’s 52 people each day. Support like this is absolutely vital to help us meet the significant demand on our services, in Meath and throughout the country.

This donation, which will fund the development of a new Clubhouse for the county, really will support survivors to regain their independence and rebuild their lives after brain injury.”

Full details of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland’s services, campaign and advocacy work for the rights and needs of their community are on www.abiireland.ie.