ABI Choices tell us what A Good Day means to them on ABI Week 2025

Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI) can bring complex challenges to individuals, impacting crucial aspects of a person's life. 

As part of ABI Week - an annual initiative dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of this condition - charities like Cedar Foundation are highlighting positivity and resilience, with the 2025 theme being: 'On a Good Day'. 

‘On a Good Day’ encourages our service users to celebrate the moments of joy, connection, independence, and achievement.  

What does 'On a Good Day' truly mean for those living with an acquired brain injury?  

We asked individuals within our Social Inclusion network to share their personal reflections on what this year’s theme means for them.  

What ‘On a Good Day’ Means to Our Service Users 

For one service user, Justin, a good day is marked by a sense of renewed confidence. He said: “On a good day, I feel confident and full of energy. I have recently joined a Social Group with the help of my Case Officer, and on a good day, I feel chatty and enjoy talking to people. I like getting to know others, sharing experiences, and making new friends. It helps me feel connected and part of something.”  Justin sitting at desk holding up blue art.
Richard said that, for him, ‘On a Good Day’ meant following his daily routine. “On a good day, I follow my daily routine. I have breakfast, walk my dog, go shopping, and then take part in activities in my community. Having this routine helps me stay focused and involved.”  Richard in pink shirt. Sitting on chair smiling at camera.
Anthony said: “On a good day, I like going for a walk, taking photos of trees, birds, flowers, and nature. Then I enjoy having a coffee and a chat with some of my friends.” Anthony in plaid shirt smiling at camera.
While for Mr Murray, ‘good days’ meant the chance to see friends. “On a good day, I am able to go to my Get Out Get Active class, where I also get to see my friends.”  Mr Murray sitting on chair in sports hall.
And for Mr R Willis, the message was simple: “On a good day I feel alive!”   R Willis in a blue jumper with hands raised in happiness.
Our service user Jordan said ‘On a Good Day’ was about getting to pursue his hobbies: “On a good day, I enjoy making superheroes at the Men’s Shed.”   Jordan standing amongst a collection of figures holding up one.
Ms L Walker said: “On a good day I get to go to Boccia, and it feels good and I enjoy meeting other people. I enjoy going on a Friday to tech doing art and making friends with people in my group. My Case Officer helps me with finding groups to go to.”  L holding two boccia balls.
One of our service users, Mr O McD, said: “On a good day I get up and get ready to go to tech four days a week for the course I am doing. I then go to the Foyle Arena and take part in different groups there like Pickleball. We also go for coffee after and have made friends with people in the groups. Before working with my case officer in Cedar, I had nothing to go to in my week and now I am doing a course I enjoy and have activities to go to.” 
Mr B McBrien said, On a good day I get to go to the men’s shed.”   B sitting at a chair with sunlight coming in window.
Ms Z McCourt told us, “A Brain Injury changes your life in an instant, also the life of your family. My interests are completely different now, On a good day I attend PARS (Physical Activity Referral Scheme) at my local gym and it really helps with my mobility.”  Z in blue top on an exercise bike.

For all our service users, it’s important to highlight the sense of resilience that comes with having a good day. As we celebrate ABI Week this May, we’ll continue sharing the stories of those we work with who live with acquired brain injuries.  

We'd like to give them all a huge thank-you for supporting Action for Brain Injury Week.