Places available for 2008 training workshops

For more information

A night with the Stars ball 2008
catch up with all the latest infomation.

Caught on camera? Check it out.

CBIT NI were fortunate to be invited to attend the launch of  CBIT Scotland's young peoples
' DVD 'As easy as ABI'. Three young people from Northern Ireland came along, James Daly,
Fiona Murphy and Gary Daly. Everyone had a blast and meeting other young people in
Scotland was so great! We learnt a lot and the DVD was so excellent and inspirational,
well done guys!!!

Karen Macague
Child & Family Support Officer

n February a group of young people had a great Friday night out with CBIT staff and their friends at the Odyssey Pavilion in Belfast.  They were entertained with a movie at Storm Cinemas and enjoyed a meal at an American Diner.

(Photos to follow)

CBIT’s Easter Family Fun day took place at ‘Paint Me, Glaze Me’ in Holywood, Co Down.  Children and parents were able to create their own master pieces through ceramic painting and crafts.  We had great fun together, the parents enjoyed time to chat, the picnic lunch went down a treat and there were lots of goodies.

(Photos to follow)

‘A Night With The Star’s – On Saturday 29th March 2 families from Northern Ireland joined the celebration of the outstanding achievements of real stars, the children, parents, professionals, brothers and sisters that we offer support and information to every day in Northern Ireland.  The evening commenced with a champagne reception, dinner, followed by an awards ceremony. For more information and photos

Changing dreams – life after childhood acquired brain injury – a celebration

On Friday, 14th December 2007 CBIT in Northern Ireland held an event to celebrate the achievements of families who we have supported across the Province. The event was opened by Patricia Lewsley, the Commissioner for Children and Young People in Northern Ireland and was attended by families, CBIT staff and volunteers and colleagues from the voluntary and statutory sectors in Northern Ireland. Patricia spoke of the challenges that families face in coping with the silent epidemic that is acquired brain injury. She said “the Child Brain Injury Trust is leading the way. CBIT has developed an innovative, family based programme … I love the series of leaflets that young people have produced with CBIT. Written by true experts – children and young people with acquired brain injury”.

You could have heard a pin drop when young Britney Howell told her story about life with acquired brain injury. Britney endorsed the thoughts of many children and young people who are involved with CBIT when she spoke about the difficulties in having to change her dreams knowing that her life had changed but she still looks like she did before her injury.

Experiences shared by parents were very powerful and captured the complex and ongoing changes that acquired brain injury creates for families. The audience were overwhelmed by the strength and support that these families show towards each other.

Hannah Downey, a mum from Newry called CBIT her “lifeline”. Hannah spoke about having to cope with changing dreams when her son Sean acquired a serious brain injury following a road traffic accident. “Life is never the same again. You lose so much and have to learn to love and look after a new person. Without CBIT I wouldn’t have been able to cope”.

The event ended with the launch of CBIT’s 3 year plan for its work in Northern Ireland during 2008 – 2011. There are many challenges to be faced but there was great optimism at the event that by working together and putting families at the centre of this work, a great deal could be achieved.

CBIT would like to that all those who attended the 14th December event and helped to make it a success. We look forward to bigger and better things!

Christmas Party fun and games!

CBIT’s Christmas Party for families in Northern Ireland took place at the Lough Moss Centre on Saturday, 2nd December. Children were entertained with arts and crafts, music and A1 Magic Show, with help from Gillian, CBIT’s new Child and Family Support Officer – thanks Gillian!!

We had great fun playing together and the mums and dads enjoyed having some time to chat. The food went down a treat – lots of goodies this year. Thanks again Gillian!! We’ll be looking for more of the same next Christmas.

CBIT’s Calendar of Events for Northern Ireland is available on the website.

CBIT in Northern Ireland Links: Child & Family Support | Events | Family Focus | Local Fundraising | News | Past Events | Staff and Volunteers