Gordon Lyons MLA, Minister for Communities, visited our Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Connections group in Monkstown on 25th March 2026, gaining first-hand insight into the life-changing impact of brain injury and the vital role of peer support and specialist services for recovery and building independence.

The visit provided the Minister with an opportunity to hear directly from people living with ABI about the everyday challenges they face and the difference that our person-centred services make to their quality of life.

Each year, around 2,000 people in Northern Ireland sustain an acquired brain injury, with many more living with the long-term effects.

The ABI Connections group brings together individuals at different stages of recovery and rehabilitation, offering a safe and welcoming space for peer connection, skills development and access to professional guidance to manage the impact of ABI. The group forms part of our wider commitment to supporting people with disabilities and complex health needs to live the lives they choose.

During the visit, Minister Lyons met with group members, carers and staff, hearing about the personal journeys of those affected by brain injury and the importance of sustained, adequately resourced support services in Northern Ireland. Members of the group openly shared experiences of their brain injury.

“After my brain injury, life changed in ways I never expected. Joining the group has made a huge difference. It’s a place where people understand what you’re going through, and that support really helps you rebuild confidence to move forward. This group is a lifeline to me as I am with people like me who all have brain injuries. Knowing that there are others who share similar experiences makes you feel less alone, and the encouragement from the group has helped me regain a sense of independence and hope for the future.”

A carer said:

“When someone you care about experiences a brain injury, it affects the whole family. Having support through the Cedar Connections group has been incredibly reassuring, not only for the person with the injury but also for those of us supporting them.

It provides understanding, advice and a sense that you’re not facing these challenges on your own. Continued support for services like this is so important for families across Northern Ireland.”

Minister Lyons, said:

“A brain injury can have a profound and lasting impact on individuals and their families, often changing lives in ways that are difficult to fully appreciate without hearing directly from those affected. It was a privilege to meet members of the ABI Cedar Connections group today and to learn more about their experiences and their journeys of recovery.”

Community-based services such as those delivered by Cedar play a vital role in supporting people to rebuild confidence, regain independence and stay connected to their communities. The work being carried out in Monkstown demonstrates the importance of accessible support networks that empower individuals to live full and inclusive lives within their communities.

Cedar Foundation CEO, Elaine Armstrong said:

“We were delighted to welcome Minister Lyons to our ABI Connections group in Monkstown to have the opportunity to showcase the incredible strength and resilience of the people we support.

ABI can affect every aspect of a person’s life; ABI Connections allows us to bring our specialist brain injury expertise into the communities where people live. It is an essential space where individuals can share experiences, coping strategies, build confidence and access specialist guidance and build social connections. Ministerial engagement like this is important in highlighting both the challenges faced by people living with ABI and the value of investing in community-based early intervention that enables people to live well and achieve their potential.”

Just as no two individuals are the same, no two acquired brain injuries are the same. Cedar is committed to providing specialist ABI services that ensure individuals and their families receive tailored support reflecting the complexity and individuality of their needs.

ABI Connections provides regional support services for adults with an acquired brain injury and their carers through a network of community-based group activities. The service delivers a social model of community inclusion across nine groups regionally and provides both direct and indirect respite for people with an ABI.

This service is commissioned and funded by the Department of Health’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG).