A Life Re-written: Volunteering after Brain Injury This Action for Brain Injury week 2024 learn about how this service user took up volunteering post brain injury and discovered a valuable and appreciated role with Cedar: “At the age of Thirteen I acquired my Brain Injury, I felt frustrated, until I joined Cedars ABI Choices Service in May 2019. I instantly felt like questions had been answered, I finally knew why I was the way I was and started to achieve personal goals, Cedar were always there for support. When my Case Officer Codie Wilkes suggested a volunteer role in Monkstown Village Community Garden, I initially felt very nervous, how would I cope with all the new faces. However as a keen gardener, I attended and instantly loved my volunteer role. Small groups made me feel comfortable and I loved the variety of tasks, no day was the same. Margaret, the volunteer manager made everything fun, nothing was a chore and the environment was so friendly and relaxed. Before I joined Cedar and my volunteer role, I often felt alone with my thoughts and angry. When I go to the Garden on a Tuesday morning I feel like a better version of myself. Almost 5 years on, and I love attending each week, it gets me out of the house and I really enjoy socialising with the other volunteers. It feels great to go somewhere to be me, and not have to talk about my Brain Injury. I love planting seeds, watching them grow and admiring the end result. Aine, the new volunteer leader is always there to provide practical support and to put the kettle on. I still avail of support from my new Case Officer Lauren Elliott, within Cedar’s ABI Choices service. The support from Cedar is out of this world, I know I can always pick up the phone with any questions I might have. Lauren checks in with me on a regular basis, keeping me up to date about groups I might like to attend. I finally feel like my questions have been answered, thanks to Lauren, Codie and Monkstown Village Community Garden.” You can find out more about Cedar’s brain injury services on the website. https://www.cedar-foundation.org/brain-injuryservices Read Susan's Story Read James's Story Read George's Story Read about In-House Training