Summary
We had 2 Theatre Visits to His Majesties Theatre for the Pantomime and Jersey Boys. 50 tickets purchased each for our BIG group families. The theatre tickets have (as expected) risen again in price year on year. Both events were greatly enjoyed by all who attended as were the Ice Creams and Confectionery which we provided. We visited the Village Hotel in Kingswells again for our Christmas event. The food, as always was excellent and the service outstanding. 63 attended which again was slightly up on previous years. The majority in our feedback felt that we should return to the Village again for our 2026 meals. This event is the only annual outing for some of our carers who do not attend any other events during the year due to the profound disabilities of their loved ones and in some cases their own health issues. Thankfully the Headway BRAW weekend which had been cancelled in 2025 went ahead this year. The event was held at the National Training Centre in Largs and was a huge success allowing our party of 18 (ABI survivors and family carers) to have a break away in the company of others who are aware of and share the same challenges. The members who attended thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and despite the rising costs (bus to and from Largs was up 50% on previous years due to increasing diesel costs) it was unanimously agreed that we should attend BRAW again in 2027. A group of 26 members attended a trip to the Grampian Motor Museum in Alford and also the Grampian Bus museum. A trip on the little train in Houghton park was included and a light lunch at the Transport Museum was provided. The lovely weather made the day and was greatly enjoyed by all who attended Following our successful trip in 2025 we again organised a Fish and Chip Steam train ride on the Caledonian Railway leaving from Brechin. A bus was arranged to transport members from Inverurie and Aberdeen to Brechin and return. 49 Members attended and had a lovely steam through the Angus countryside while eating their scrumptious meal. A special day out enjoyed by all.
What Brain Injury Grampian (BIG) Group has learned
This has been another successful year for BIG- our volunteers and members. We constantly review our programme (including the Creative Breaks Project) taking account of ongoing health and confidence issues among members and volunteers.
1. We have had to be more flexible to take account of changes which are out with our control e.g. Member and Committee Health and Mental health issues, members benefit challenges, withdrawal of supports previously provided by NHS, Local authorities etc and significantly increasing costs. We know that where possible we have to try and foresee and anticipate these issues and must react quickly to keep our project/programme on track.
2 We have to avoid complacency. Just because something has worked in the past we can't. assume that we do not need to keep working on it. Complacency leads eventually to a real risk of failure!
3 We need to continue to investigate more online /virtual options to complement our face to face programme, but always bear in mind that not all members (and volunteers) are comfortable with the tech. requirements and may want things to continue as is.
4. We need to annually review our "modus operandi", build on what has worked, re-evaluate and alter or discontinue what hasn't. We can't just assume that it's right because we think it is. We must keep an open mind and regularly investigate any new opportunities/activities which would be beneficial for our members.
5. We must make sure we don't overstretch. This leads to failure which is in nobody's best interest. We must ensure that the resources /workers / finance/ accommodation etc are in place before committing to any new venture/event.
6.We know that If we involve our members (carers and cared for) more then they commit better to BIG, attend more events etc. Their involvement ensures that the programme remains relevant for the future.
7. We have learned that communication is key. We must always ensure that we constantly strive to sustain and improve our communication with Committee/Volunteers and members.
Impact on beneficiaries
Our “Caring for our BIG Families” project is part of our full social support programme.
We aim to
• support carers and enable them to meet together to
share experiences
• involve those with a brain injury helping them to
maximise their recovery.
• reduce social isolation for the brain injured, family and
carers.
• support and sustain relationships between carers and
those that they care for.
During the year to 30th September 2026 our project has
• Improved our support for the whole family dynamic (carer
unit and cared for).
• Provided truly family friendly Christmas and Summer
events to help consolidate family relationships.
• Enabled a group to have a weekend away at the Headway “Braw”
event
• Delivered a programme of other events including 2 theatre trips
We always strive to achieve the outcomes listed in our application. To make sure that our carers have opportunities to have enjoyment outside of their caring role while being assisted and encouraged to sustain this role. A big part of achieving this comes from improving the physical and mental wellbeing of our members carers and cared for.
The BRAW weekend trip to the Largs National training centre allowed those attending (carers and cared for) to step out of their daily routine/challenges and enjoy a well organised break away in the company of many others from different Headway Branches throughout Scotland. It provided the opportunity for members to have a relaxed weekend with others facing the same challenges and allowed them to relax and just enjoy themselves. A huge success with evidence of increased bonding among our members and also with those from other groups. The feedback was very positive with comments such as:-
• “Had a great time. I have been very cautious about mingling in groups since my accident but found the weekend very enjoyable and relaxing “
• “For the first time in years I have been able to enjoy myself while feeling less burdened by my caring role. Both I and C had a great time and hope to attend BRAW weekends in the future.”
Our programme of the BRAW weekend and events offer an opportunity that allows both
cared for and carers to choose what they would most like to do with other members that they would most like to be with. This improves members self-confidence and the more fun they have as families, the better their well-being.
The events are spread throughout the calendar year so that there is always something to look forward to, not too far in the future. After the trauma of Brain Injury many (carers and cared for) lose the confidence/ ability to organise these outings for themselves but are very positive (from feedback) that they have experienced real benefits in confidence and well-being from attending.
Our programme in conjunction with the Physiotherapy sessions organised in conjunction with Robert Gordons University provide members with a structured platform to enable them to improve wellbeing, and develop an enjoyable return to social involvement in a controlled and structured way which helps to maximise the recovery of the Brain Injury survivor.
Our Annual Survey highlights that all of our members (Carers and Cared for) enjoy involvement in “Caring for our BIG Families” and find involvement with our group very beneficial. We see very real evidence of strong friendships/relationships developing among members (Carer and Cared for) and this is very positive for their emotional and mental wellbeing.