Has anyone got any information on classes for someone with a TBI in Merseyside? All I can find is 'Back 2work' which isn't suitable for my..

[Kerasage]

...husband. He just needs something to do and I cant find anything. No one has been of any help to us, not even Headway. I'm at a loss, I feel like my husband's just been left to rot away and it's just making his memory worse, and it's really starting to get me down He's 9 months post accident.

[100pipers]

HAVE YOU GOT A MOMENTUM. WHERE YOU LIVE IF SO THEY MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP YOU . GOOD LUCK.

[clivekeen]

Hi u have a Abi like your husband left brain damaged and memory probl it happened at work only part time work 5 years later work still think I was as I was before but not just understands a little now looking for another job but as soon as I say Abi They don't want to know say no job even though I have he experience people are no help this way in Sussex look ok so nothing wrong sorry about this no one understands anything

[sospan]

Hi, you are not alone in searching for rehab help. There is a chronic shortage across of rehab courses for all types of injury across the country.

When you do find a course or scheme they are either to light weight, really trivial or at the other end, concentrating on returning to work with nothing in between.

Myself I have been struggling to find something for the last 18 months. Recently I was asked if I was interested in a local garden scheme, putting seeds in pots and cutting the grass in the centre. There was already around 10 people on the scheme to look after an area smaller than my existing garden. Some of the voluntary roles I have applied for, should really be paid roles and many don't respond at all.

But don't be disheartened there are many good schemes out there it just means you have to find seek them out as many people on the board will confirm.

All the best to you and your husband

[spartan300]

what are were his hobbies or interests before, I just do what I can wash pots bit of cleaning gardening , I know it is difficult but it is early days I am nearly 8 years since my TBI I still struggle, but you have to keep having a go

no matter how small it is , think of a baby from birth to crawling then walk first words it is not much different for many of us here, lots of love xxxx

[Kirk5w7]

Filling your time, and motivation is the worst, and ,sexist of me I know, worse for men. I have my knitting and crochet, I do jigsaws, painting by numbers, which I've got a real passion for now, the first was awful, but my hand is much steadier now. I've got a marquetry kit waiting for me to start it when I feel ready, lacemaking, jewellery making, the list goes on .

In the rehab unit we painted large plant pots then planted them up. You have to think outside the box.

My dad wasn't brain injured but he loved his hobbies, he used to love rug making, tapestry he even had a stint of machine knitting, you never know, have a look around the Hobbycraft website for ideas, then you may find somewhere to pursue the chosen craft or just wade in and give it a go. First tries may be iffy but the idea is try and try again, like Spartan says we're like babies and children, so have to overcome the frustrations we feel, practise helps.

Hope you find something xxxJanet

[Hidden]

MYNEURO ASKED ME TO WRITE DOWN ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING I DO IN A TYPICAL DAY, WHEN I LOOKED AT THE LIST I FOUND I WAS DOING A LOT MORE THAN I THOUGHT & STUFF I'D NEVER DONE BEFORE. I FOUND I COULD EXTEND SOME OF THE STUFF I WAS DOING LIKE POTTERING ROUND THE GARDEN.

I WAS NEVER INTERESTED IN GARDENING BEFORE BI BUT NOW FIND IMMENSE PLEASURE IN WATCHING THINGS IV'E PLANTED GROW. YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO HEAVY WORK JUST STICK A FEW THINGS IN POTS. MY INTEREST HAS GROWN TO THE POINT WHERE I'VE DESIGNED &BUILT MY OWN JAPANESE GARDEN & I'M SO PROUD OF IT!

I ALSO FOUND I WAS DOING A LOT OF CLEANING!!

EVEN WATCHING DOCUMENTARIES ON TELLY COUNTS, YOU CAN FIND ALL SORTS OF NEW INTERESTS, I DISOVERED SNOWBOARDING, CAN'T DO IT COS OF BI BUT WATCHING IT IS REALLY FUN.

I FOUND ANYTHING THAT CATCHES MY INTEREST IS WORTHWHILE NO MATTER HOW TRIVIAL IT MAY SOUND.

[jeanni]

My son has started on some voluntary work 3 years after his TBI. It gives him more structure to the day-he feels a lot better now. Talk to voluntary sector and let them help find something that will bring enjoyment and satisfaction even if it is un-connected to his previous work. He does not want to overdo it -9 months is not very long on the re-hab route-just a couple of hours at a time. Animal rescue places are always looking for volunteers if that is any help. Like other people are saying it is about looking for new interests.

[sospan]

The big question for me is how do you afford the hobbies ? I am really struggling on what I get in benefits to pay the bills - a hobby in itself

Not being political or cynical but I am must be missing something ?

[Kerasage in reply to sospan]

Totally, we are still waiting to hear from PIP, putting our son through college,and trying to survive on the pittance we get. Not critisising anyone at all, buty we've never been on benefits before, my husband worked his way through his GCSE's, and has worked evry day since, sometime too bloody hard! Got a wheelchair, so we can get out together, but still haven't got the finances to actually do so. And all the OT's, and Physio's just seem to look down their nose at you. Getting really sick of waiting in for people who are late or just don't turn up at all. Yet still look at you like you are scum if you say you have to leave soon for a doctors appointment. Sick of being criticised by the very people who are supposed to be there to help you, like "I" work for "them" or something. I'm really just sick of everything now

[jeanni]

I agree money is the big problem-even bus fares to get to a voluntary assignment.My funds are diminishing fast! Can anyone tell me apart from ESA (not sure how much longer able to claim) H Benefit which doesnt cover rent-maybe some DLA which have had a letter to say it is being considered by PPI- havnt had a penny since Febuary. Long term how are you expected to manage. Without our top ups our son could not manage but he is unable to work. Is he missing claiming something we dont know about?

[BettyS in reply to jeanni]

Hi Jeanni,

If your son drove before his BI you should be able to get a free bus pass. I approched by local council and managed to get one as I am not fit to drive. I did a bit of google research beforehand.

Just something that might help, bus fares have become expensive like everything else.

[jeanni in reply to BettyS]

Thank you BettyS. I will look into a free bus pass. It would certainly save money.

[Kerasage in reply to jeanni]

We are in touch with Knowsley Carers Centre, that's our area, but I'm sure there will be one in your area. They are really, really good at making sure you are getting what you are supposed to be getting, and will chase the PIP up for you. February is beyond ridiculous! Look up the knowsley carers centre and ask them if they can put you in touch with your local carers centre, they will at least put you in touch with someone who genuinely 'can' help x

[BettyS]

Hi Kersage,

A charity called Neurosupport on based in Liverpool on the same grounds as the Walton Centre. They do a variety of different activities that may help your husband. They also have an advice line that I found very helpful. Sorry I am typing on my tablet laying in bed so can't get the number. Will post it later. Good luck.

[headwayuk Partner Headway]

Hi Kerasage,

Thank you for your post.

It might be worth contacting our Headway Liverpool branch to see if they can help, either by providing direct support or giving local information.

You can find out more at headway.org.uk/branches/liv...

Alternatively, do feel free to contact our helpline on 0808 800 2244 or [e-mail] to discuss things.

Best wishes,

Headway.

[Kerasage in reply to headwayuk]

Hi, Thank you for the info, but I already did. They said they would call me back with information and didn't. They said we didn't qualify for a grant, which is fair enough, but like everyone else we seem to have been put in touch with, they have literally just left us up in the air. They told us they would get back to us with information, but they never. All they got in touch for was to get information out of me about a deceptive individual, I feel used, not only by that individual, but also Headway. Sick of people saying they can help us, but then they don't. Talk about being left to cope on your own

So you will forgive me if all my confidence in headway Liverpool has been lost.

[headwayuk Partner Headway in reply to Kerasage]

Hi Kerasage,

Thank you for your reply, I am really sorry to hear this. Could I ask you to get in touch with our national helpline please (details above), and we can try to get to the bottom of this and make sure you get the help you need? We certainly want to support you as much as we possibly can.

Best wishes,

Headway