About the service
The Children and Youth service is dedicated to empowering families to support children and young people who have sustained an acquired brain injury (ABI). The service operates throughout Northern Ireland.
We recognise that the whole family system is affected when a child or young person sustains an ABI. Our service works with the family unit to enable everyone to better manage the impacts of ABI on daily life. All of our work is underpinned by evidence based practice.
Service elements
Our service provision is available for children and young people from after birth, up to the age of 18 years. We also work in partnership with our adult service colleagues to ensure a smooth transition into our adult service programme.
We can provide practical support tailored to the needs of the child or young person with the brain injury and their family. The service helps families across Northern Ireland as they access local services for health, education, training, finances or housing.
We also work with young people with brain injury to identify key areas in their life that are meaningful to them and that they wish to work towards that are meaningful and achievable.
Youth Empowerment Programme
We work in partnership with parents and carers, children, and their siblings to empower the family to make positive progress and become experts in their ABI experience.
Our one-to-one family based support is tailored to meet the needs of the young person and their family and to address specific areas that are important for their well-being. These areas may include:
Improving families' understanding of ABI and its impact on the whole family
Exploring solutions to help manage potential challenges
Enhancing communication and social skills
Addressing cognitive and developmental issues
Supporting families to identify goals and work towards achieving them
Helping families develop skills in managing everyday impacts of ABI
Connecting families with other services and supports
Supporting families to live their best possible lives following childhood ABI.
Advocacy
Part of our role is to advocate on behalf of families as they access local services for health, education, training, finances or housing.
Families can get help with completing forms, writing letters and meeting with relevant professionals (i.e., health, social care and education and employment).
Parents and carers can join a network where they can:
Build peer support
Share knowledge and experiences
Find out more about what is available in their area.
Families can also get support with:
Attending a meeting with health professionals
Helping with the completion of DLA and PIPS applications
Supporting with an application for alternative transport to attend school/college
Signposting and resources related to transition into further education
Liaising with a University about Learning Support
Social Activities
A range of social activities are provided regionally, in person and virtually, for children, young people and their families. The activities give families a chances to connect and meet others with shared experiences.
These activities are planned and led by the young people of Brain Injury Matters.
The benefits of the programme will consist of:
Developing social interaction skills
Encouraging activity outside the family unit
Opportunity for families and siblings to spend meaningful time together
Development of peer friendships
Encourage exploration of personal interests
Having fun!
Please complete a referral form and return via email to referrals@braininjurymatters.org.uk
Who can make a referral?
Anyone can make a referral to the Children and Youth Service and we accept referrals from across Northern Ireland.
Some of our past referrals have come from:
Parents/carers
Health professionals e.g. paediatricians, therapists, psychologists
Schools – Principals, SENCOs, teachers
Community clubs e.g. sports coaches, Youth Leaders
Once a referral is received, we will contact the family or referral agent directly to discuss the next steps.
Download a referral form:
Please complete a referral form and return via email to
Family First Summary Report
The following document provides a synopsis of the Family First project’s achievements and highlights the considerable difference made to the lives of over 200 people impacted by ABI, the contribution to service provision and the capacity building in education and health services.
Five Year Evaluation Report
authored by Dr Chris McCusker, Vice Head of School; Director, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, University College Cork
