Pioneer Valley Brain Injury Support Group
Necessity was indeed the mother of invention in the creation of BIA-MA's Pioneer Valley Brain Injury Support Group (PVBISG). "We both had personal experiences with family members several years ago and were completely shocked that we could not find good access to information following our family members' brain injuries," says PVBISG co-facilitator Anne Flaherty who, along with Linda Lang-Gunn, initiated the group one year ago.
"We agreed that it would have been great if five years ago we had known about the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts. Even a fact sheet about what to expect after brain injury would have helped."
After discussing the possibility of starting a group, Lang-Gunn and Flaherty met with Suzanne Doswell of the BIA-MA's Western Regional Office. "Her enthusiasm and energy were helpful and inspiring," says Flaherty.
The PVBISG held its first meeting in July 2010 at the Fit Together Wellness Center in Hadley, MA. The space was donated by ServiceNet, a social service agency.
"We wanted to create a clearinghouse of information on local resources for people who suffered brain injuries, their families and the people who work with them," says Flaherty. "This group is welcoming to everyone and serves as a resource to all in the community," says one member from Easthampton.
During the first year, group members have participated in workshops on energy healing, also known as Reiki, neuro-feedback, homeopathic medicine, and yoga among others. In one recent event, local social recreation professional Trevor Smith conducted "Laugh for the Health of It: Creating Healthy Lifestyles in Work and Everyday Life through Laughter."
Another workshop featured Clinical Neuropsychologist and Assessment Specialist Constance Carpenter-Bixler, PhD, who spoke about 'tricks and tools for keeping your brain strong.' Group members learned interactive techniques that strengthen brain function, refresh short-term memory and refine emotional and behavioral responses.
"During our meetings, we exchange experiences and ideas, identify local support systems and just have fun together," says Flaherty.
Upcoming workshop topics include disability rights and entitlement as well as independent living and vocational rehabilitation. The support group welcomes individuals from Hadley, Amherst, Northampton, Greenfield, South Hadley, Shelburne Falls and other towns within Franklin and Hampshire counties.
The Pioneer Valley Brain Injury Support Group meets the first Thursday of each month from 7-8:30 PM at Fit Together, located at 231 Russell Street (Route 9), Hadley, MA. For more information, contact Anne Flaherty at pvbisg@gmail.com or call 413-253-8889.