The Bouverie Centre is offering an opportunity for families who are interested in meeting with other families in order to share their experiences and wisdoms, and to offer and receive support, understanding and information about brain injury issues and life with ABI.
All family members can be involved and are welcome to participate in this program. Family to Family Link Ups are arranged and will be attended by trained ABI facilitators within your community. Your participation in Family to Family Link Up can also assist in developing an effective program for families seeking suppot across Victoria. Participation in this program is free and voluntary, and all travel expenses are covered by the program.
The Family to Family Link Up program is funded by the Department of Human Services / Disability Services. Agencies participating in the program to date are: The Bouverie Centre, Melbourne City Mission, ABI Services - Ballarat Health Services, ABI – Slow to Recover Program.
Family experiences of the ABI – Family to Family Link Up
‘Myself and my family finally feel that we are getting help after 2.5 years of living in limbo and feeling like I am going crazy … the service is very worthwhile, it has helped me gain strength and perspective.’ – Partner of a person with an ABI
‘It helped me to understand our situation through different eyes … It helps to talk about the situation with someone who has experienced it or is experiencing it.’ – Person with an ABI
‘Great program – very helpful.’ – Person with an ABI
‘Listening to other families helped me to see where we were and where we are now – it has given us lots of hope.’ – Partner of a person with an ABI
‘For us the meeting broke down some of the isolation we have experienced since our son’s ABI. We found that we easily spoke the “same language” and felt less of the victims we have often felt the system places us.’ – Parent of a person with an ABI
‘To have the chance to discuss my problem and hear about the others was very helpful to me and my children. I felt relieved to be able to share our experiences. I also felt hopeful for our future.’ – Partner of a person with an ABI
Feedback about the facilitators
‘Able to keep things on track.’
‘Able to re-direct the conversation to safer ground – asked questions to encourage discussion.’
‘Asked the right questions and helped us understand.’
‘Able to make everyone welcome and able to openly discuss ABI.’
‘The facilitator was able to guide the session successfully, had a calming influence and empathy for me and my family.’
Research findings
The research findings will be available late 2009.
