Young people raise awareness of brain injury with the film

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By Niall McCracken BBC News NI

1 hour ago

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Nikita had an acquired brain injury for several years

A group of young people with traumatic brain injuries made a film to raise awareness of their condition.

My Invisible Brain Injury script was written and acted out by members of a support and mentoring group run by the Brain Injury Matters charity.

All of the young people from Northern Ireland who appear in the film have an acquired brain injury.

This is damage to the brain after birth and is not associated with a congenital or degenerative disease.

An acquired brain injury is a long-term and often hidden disability.

It can happen in a number of ways, including physical trauma such as a car accident or a medical emergency, such as a stroke.

Other causes can include concussions, infections, and certain types of cancer.

There are no official figures for the number of people who suffer a traumatic brain injury in Northern Ireland, but it is estimated that each year around 2,000 people suffer from one.

Brain Injury Matters said this is likely to be an under-representation of the true number because many people live with the long-term effects of a brain injury, which can sometimes be unseen.

“ invisible “

“The answer entered my mind and then basically decided to delete itself.”

This is what Nikita felt when she sat a recent exam.

Image source, Michael MacBroom Films

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Young people with traumatic brain injuries were key factors in the production of the short film

Feeling nervous and confused is not uncommon for any young person taking an exam.

But the 22-year-old from County Armagh has been living with an acquired brain injury for several years.

“It is difficult to describe it to anyone who does not experience it,” said Nikita.

“I’ve done all my reviews, and I know the answer—it’s not even brain fog, it’s like the answers are gone.”

She adds: “After my brain injury, I felt really lonely because people don’t realize that not everything about a brain injury is visible.

“At first I felt I couldn’t tell anyone and I thought we should talk more about it.”

Nikita is part of the group of young people who have produced a short film depicting life with a brain injury.

It depicts the common effects of brain injury and its impact on young people, as well as the lives and relationships of those who live, work, and interact with society.

Image source, Michael MacBroom Films

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Daniel from County Tyrone has one of the final lines in the film

Some scenes show the impact it can have on someone’s work life and the major adjustments they may need to make, while other scenes examine the day-to-day difficulties they could face, such as ordering coffee.

The film was created by guys from the Southern Health Trust – they wrote the scripts, recorded the voices, acted and helped shoot.

Josh is from Moira in County Down and is part of the group.

“I did most of the camera work and shooting, I loved directing,” he said.

Gabriel from Belfast enjoyed being involved in all aspects of the production.

He added, “I like being creative in my spare time, making music and things like that, so it was great to have so many roles in our movie.”

“With the movie it’s important for us as a group to show how difficult it is for us in real life so that people can understand it.”

Daniel from County Tyrone has one of the last lines in the film and talks about the importance of group brain injury in helping to make new friends.

stigma

The group is brought together through a brain injury peer mentoring program.

Connects teens and young adults with traumatic brain injury to help build their confidence.

Paula Mathers is part of the Children and Youth Service at Brain Injury Matters.

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The group is brought together through the Brain Injury Matters peer mentoring program

She said: “Our mentoring program has been very important because it creates a space for these young people to have fun and get to know other people who have that shared experience.

“Not only does it help them get a better understanding of their injury, but it can also show them what works best to help them live their lives better.”

Rory has been a mentor with the group for several years.

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Rory has been a mentor with the group for several years

He believes that supporting young people is key to helping them overcome the stigma that still surrounds brain injury.

“I remember when I was 16 and had an acquired brain injury, I didn’t have anyone around me who had a similar experience so I couldn’t ask questions or get advice,” he said.

“So I think the film we’ve put together really well is showing young people today that you’re not alone and that help is out there.”

The Brain Injury Cause has received over half a million pounds in grants from the National Lottery Community Trust to support young people with acquired brain injury, to understand the impact of their injury and to get support.

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