New online resources, aimed at helping families caring for people with acquired brain injuries, are to be launched later this month.

The 'On With Life' materials have been developed by Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, and they will be fully accessible online.

An acquired brain injury is an injury that occurs after birth, in childhood or adulthood. Some 19,000 brain injuries happen in Ireland every year from causes such as road traffic accidents, stroke, falls, assaults and brain tumours.

The 'On With Life' materials will be available via Zoom sessions, video presentations and a downloadable manual, and they will be rolled out using a series of video launches from October 15.

They have been developed with clinical psychologist and author, Dr Eddie Murphy, who will present the video launches.

"The 'On With Life' materials provide guidance for carers on keeping emotionally and physically healthy. They also provides an opportunity to become part of a virtual network and meet other people via Zoom to share experiences.

"You can't pour from an empty cup. The struggle to balance competing roles can lead to stress, burnout and other mental and physical health consequences. Engaging with support will greatly help with stress, and benefit all of the family," Dr Murphy commented.

According to support group facilitator, Dolores Gallagher, once the pandemic ends, the organisation will return to developing regional peer groups, which meet in person. However in the meantime, she encouraged families to use these resources.

"Acquiring a brain injury often results in a dramatically altered life at home, in work or in social settings. It also has an enormous impact on those who care for the person. They can be forgotten and greatly struggle with the challenges.

"However, 'On With Life' will help carers with managing this psychologically, and also to become part of a structured supportive network," she noted.

To sign up for the launch sessions, click here.

*Pictured is clinical psychologist, Dr Eddie Murphy, at the launch of the new resources.