The Connection Newsletter | Expanded New Beginnings Club keep Acquired Brain Injury top of mind

Expanded New Beginnings Club keep Acquired Brain Injury top of mind

lhinconnection | 21 September, 2009 09:34

Acquired brain injury (ABI), such as stroke, concussion and tumours, impacts a staggering number of families in the Erie St. Clair LHIN each year. The effects of ABI alter how survivors perceive themselves, their capabilities and their self-image. These perceptions are associated with depression and social withdrawal, which may in turn, exacerbate depression after an ABI. Large social networks and perceived social support are associated with better physical functioning and may be prognostically important for higher levels of recovery.

In 1992, the Brain Injury Association of Chatham-Kent (BIACK) was created as an advisory group to the Kent County District Health Council. Their main initiatives were to identify and propose solutions to gaps in services for survivors of acquired brain injury. BIACK provides social recreational programming for survivors of ABI through the New Beginnings Club. In January of 2007, they moved to their new 9,000 square foot, open-concept, barrier-free, accessible facility in Chatham. In September of 2008, an additional 12,000+ square feet of accessible tranquility gardens was completed.

The New Beginnings Club promotes:
1. personal development increasing self-worth and helping the survivor work towards their individual goals
2. socialization and the reacquisition of new and lost personal, professional, physical and emotional abilities through enjoyable activities such as art, woodworking, music and fitness. Membership in the Club is free of charge and does not require a referral from a medical professional.

An Erie St. Clair LHIN supported collaborative, lead by Michelle Chernets of the Brain Injury Association of Chatham-Kent, has acquired annualized base funding to begin to provide Club services in the Sarnia/Lambton area starting September 2009. Through integration and collaboration, BIACK is already working with other Sarnia based organizations to maximize the successful implementation of these funds.

BIACK's supportive partnerships and community presence over the last 3 years has made the New Beginnings Club a provincial and national leader in the provision of social recreation services for survivors of ABI. Membership in Chatham has increased 240% in less than 2 years and the expectation is that similar results will be seen in Sarnia through integration, programming and partnerships. For more information visit www.biack.com or contact Michelle Chernets.