QUARRIERS has expanded its vital Head Injury Service in Renfrewshire in order to provide much-needed support for carers and family members.

The service, based in Renfrewshire, works with people aged between 17 and 64 who have experienced an acquired head injury by providing important practical and emotional support as well as advice to overcome the short and long term effects of their injury.

Quarriers recognised the need to provide support for families and carers who play a major role in the rehabilitation and care of loved ones living with an acquired head injury. Carers can be put under a lot of stress coming to terms with their loved ones’ condition and the life-altering changes that need to be made.

The social care charity wanted to provide a space which would allow carers time out of their responsibilities and an environment where they can meet with like-minded individuals who face many of the same challenges and experiences due to the injuries sustained by their family members.

In order to make this group a reality, Quarriers Renfrewshire Head Injury Service joined forces with Renfrewshire Carers Centre to establish a regular support group specific to carers of people with brain injuries.

The group meets every third Wednesday of the month, 1pm to 3pm at the Renfrewshire Carers Centre in Abbey Mill Business Centre in Paisley.

The carers support group was officially launched by the Lord Provost of Paisley as both the service and support group has special significance to her as her grandson is supported by the service.

Alice Harper, Quarriers chief executive, said: “We are so pleased that we were able to partner with Renfrewshire Carers Centre to provide this additional service to help support carers. They play a vital role in the life of someone with an acquired head injury so to be able to create a space where carers are cared for in return is quite something.”

For more information about the service, go to quarriers.org.uk. Carers looking to join the group should get in touch with the Renfrewshire Carers Centre on 0141 887 3643.

Case study: Wallace Stewart

Wallace Stewart was in the Merchant Navy for eight years working on the catering side. He then went on to be cabin crew with British Airways for 20 years.

Wallace was hit by a bus 16-years-ago just outside his home in Johnstone. He was looking for his bus when another bus hit him. There were no witnesses. Wallace spent 10 weeks in intensive care. He was sent home with no further input.

Wallace’s head injury affects his day-to-day living. He has difficulties with his memory, finding the correct words to say and he now avoids going to new places and meeting new people. Wallace also cannot tolerate loud noises.

Wallace has lost 60-plus years of his memory: he feels his memory is like a sieve.

Wallace joined Headway, Glasgow and they started a group in Paisley for people affected with head injuries. This group eventually closed.

Thereafter Wallace with another three clients and help from Quarriers staff set up The Sunshine Club. The other three clients all had a head injury but were at different stages in their recovery. Wallace still attends The Sunshine Club and is now 80-years-old. He stated when the club is not on he goes into a depression – he looks forward to it every week. His family and friends know not to arrange anything for him on a Friday, as he needs to go along and be with everyone at The Sunshine Club to enjoy the chat with other people with head injuries and be informed by the guest speakers that Quarriers staff organise as well as the days out that are arranged.

Wallace sits at the same table every week with his friends, he even travels to the club with other members.

The Sunshine Club now has an average of 19 members a week attending.