ABI Café:

ABI Café is a Peer Support group for people living in East Dunbartonshire affected by Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and their carers, family and friends. ABI Café is the only brain injury support group of its kind in the area. Although Ceartas staff and volunteers support ABI Café, it is a peer-led group that really thrives on the input of its members and the lived experiences they share. In the past the group has engaged in several Collective Advocacy activities, like holding Brain Injury Seminars to raise awareness of hidden disabilities.

At ABI Café we regularly invite speakers who visit the group to share information and answer any questions about subjects like:

  • Welfare Reform and Universal Credit.
  • Fire Safety and home security.
  • Emergency Care Planning.
  • Dealing with memory, cognitive and mood problems.
Photo#2 - ABI Cafe planning meeting - 07.12.23

ABI Café is open to anyone in East Dunbartonshire with an Acquired Brain Injury, and although it is a drop-in café we would ask that you contact Ceartas in the first instance to let us know of any communication or access requirements you have, so that we can accommodate you and make you feel welcome.

ABI Café takes place once a month, usually on a Wednesday from 13:30 – 15:00, at Ceartas Offices in McGregor House, Kirkintilloch. Please get in touch if you would like more information.

  • Richard
    I felt like I was facing a brick wall until I started receiving support and information from Ceartas. The outcome of that has led to a much better relationship with the rest of the family, and now we are all pulling in the same direction.
    Richard
    Carer
  • De Café
    Very Interesting and good source of Information and good company
    De Café
    Group Member
  • Sarah
    Even a ten minute chat on the phone made me feel so much better. I was becoming frustrated and annoyed at not getting what I needed from services, but talking to my Advocacy Worker kept me grounded and stopped me from losing the rag with anyone.
    Sarah
    Service User
  • Walking Group Member
    Just a quick message of thanks to you guys.  You’ve made me feel welcome at a low time in my life.  The lowest I’ve ever faced.  I really appreciate it.
    Walking Group Member
  • Alex
    When I call Ceartas everyone is always so kind and helpful. They are all a really good group of people.
    Alex
    Service User
  • Mark
    I am usually apprehensive about contacting organisations in fear of being passed pillar to post. I was delighted when I contacted Ceartas: although I didn’t need advocacy, you talked me through local services that I needed.
    Mark
    Information enquiry
  • Marie
    Thank you for your support at the last meeting. It’s great having somebody independent in my corner: not sure what I would have done or where I would be otherwise.
    Marie
    Service User
  • De Café
    Very understanding of my memory issues and love the related activities
    De Café
    Group Member
  • Thomas
    Thanks so much, this is almost a miracle! Can you do anything for Partick Thistle while you’re at it?
    Thomas
    Carer
  • Agnes
    I can pick up the phone and advocacy support is always there, ready to listen and help me understand things better.
    Agnes
    Service User
  • Alecia
    It’s a really tricky role you’ve had in this case but you’ve done so effectively.
    Alecia
    Social Work
  • George
    There is always someone there at Ceartas for me, no matter who takes the call.
    George
    Service User
  • Elizabeth
    I live quite a long distance away from my sister. When she needed to get some more support in place for her dementia, the information about local services and support that you were able to give me was invaluable. I can't thank you enough.
    Elizabeth
    Long-distance carer
  • De Café
    Enjoy time with friends
    De Café
    Group Member
  • Group Member
    It was wonderful to you see again and be with friends and joining in at B&B. The loneliness was certainly put aside and replaced with love and laughter being amongst everyone.
    Group Member
    A Bite & A Blether
  • Sandra & John
    Thanks for discussing things and then sending us some information in the post: we have now started the Power of Attorney process.
    Sandra & John
    Service User
  • David
    It's really nice to know that someone is listening to me and taking me seriously. Other people seem to think that my problems are trivial and aren't worth bothering about, but that is not true. My Advocacy Worker helped me to make my point in such a way that I couldn't be ignored, and now things are starting to improve as a result.
    David
    Service User
  • Olivia
    Absolutely thrilled with the service. I wish my family all stayed in East Dunbartonshire and could access it!
    Olivia
    Carer
  • Walking Group Member
    For me, it was meeting other, new people that benefited me most.
    Walking Group Member
  • Derek
    After waiting months, you got the ball rolling with a number of things and for that I thank you.
    Derek
    Service User
  • Group Member
    “I was glad it was Monday this morning as I’ve got this group on Mondays. I like this wee group.”
    Group Member
    A Bite & A Blether
  • Joanne
    I didn't know that there was anything I could do about my situation, let alone that I had options. I feel so much better knowing that I can turn to Ceartas for information when I need it.
    Joanne
    Service User
  • Ashleigh
    Thank you for your prompt and informative reply. It’s appreciated more than you will know.
    Ashleigh
    Carer