Independent Advocacy and Acquired Brain Injury:

Ceartas provides Independent Advocacy to people in East Dunbartonshire with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).

Independent Advocacy is a way for people with an ABI to get information about their rights, about the services and support they can access, to have as much control as possible over their lives, and to make sure their voices are heard properly.

Acquired Brain Injury can mean any sort of brain injury that occurs after birth (ie not congenital). It includes injuries caused by things like:

  • Stroke.
  • Illnesses like Encephalitis and Meningitis.
  • Falls, accidents, assaults or road traffic accidents.
  • Brain surgery.
speaker at ABI Cafe

No two people are the same, and no two brain injuries are the same. The effects of Acquired Brain Injuries are often hidden, and are sometimes poorly understood by people in the community or services that you are trying to use.

Ceartas can support people with an ABI by giving them information about their options, supporting them with cognitive, memory or communication issues, and making sure they get the help they really want.

We also have a peer-support group for people living in East Dunbartonshire affected by ABI and their carers, family and friends.

  • 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
  • Alecia
    It’s a really tricky role you’ve had in this case but you’ve done so effectively.
    Alecia
    Social Work
  • Thomas
    Thanks so much, this is almost a miracle! Can you do anything for Partick Thistle while you’re at it?
    Thomas
    Carer
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • George
    There is always someone there at Ceartas for me, no matter who takes the call.
    George
    Service User
  • De Café
    Very understanding of my memory issues and love the related activities
    De Café
    Group Member
  • 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
  • Derek
    After waiting months, you got the ball rolling with a number of things and for that I thank you.
    Derek
    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
  • 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
    Enjoy time with friends
    De Café
    Group Member
  • 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
  • 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
  • Olivia
    Absolutely thrilled with the service. I wish my family all stayed in East Dunbartonshire and could access it!
    Olivia
    Carer
  • Alex
    When I call Ceartas everyone is always so kind and helpful. They are all a really good group of people.
    Alex
    Service User
  • Ashleigh
    Thank you for your prompt and informative reply. It’s appreciated more than you will know.
    Ashleigh
    Carer
  • 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
  • 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
  • Walking Group Member
    For me, it was meeting other, new people that benefited me most.
    Walking Group Member