This article is from page 10 of the 2013-06-11 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
CLARECASTLE based Acquired Brain Injury Ireland (ABI) has been named the overall national winner of the Ulster Bank Achievers Awards’ Social Enterprise category.
Judges described ABI as an organisation that positively impacts the community, generating an outcome with a long-term benefit.
Driven by social innovation and structured as a business model, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland provides community based neuro-rehabilitation services to those who have acquired a brain injury.
ABI Irelands residential assisted living service, and community ABI service, is based in Clarecastle, providing personalised quality rehabilitation and support following a brain injury.
Founded in 2000, in direct response to a personal need for an acquired brain injury service for her brother Peter Bradley, CEO Barbara O’ Connell, her husband Maurice and members of the Bradley family set up Ac- quired Brain Injury Ireland; ensuring people with a brain injury could live a meaningful life at home in their community.
Ms O’Connell who received the award on behalf of the organisation said;
“This award is a huge honour for Acquired Brain Injury Ireland.
“I accepted it humbly as recognition for the inspiring personal achievements of the people who access our services, and also in acknowledgement of the dedication and commitment of all ABI Ireland staff who work continually to advocate on behalf of our service users every day.”
“People with ABI often look normal, but can have hidden problems which mean they cannot resume their previous lives.
“We tailor our services around the individual and their family to support them through the journey of rebuilding a meaningful life for themselves.
“Believing there is a better way, is the passion behind any successful social enterprise.
“At ABI Ireland we have seen the remarkable impact and long term benefits that can be achieved through neuro-rehabilitation; for us that’s our return on investment,” said Ms O’ Connell.
Approximately 13,000 people acquire a head injury in Ireland each year.
The severity of brain damage can vary with the type of brain injury.
With the support of the HSE, ABI Ireland has grown to provide a wide range of supports and services to people with ABI nationwide.
It has 235 staff and over 40 services throughout Ireland.