The groundbreaking project provides trained dogs for people with brain injuries. However, it goes far beyond conventional dog adoption as it aims to fill the void left by lost friends and family members due to brain injuries.
“My dog has helped me accept my brain injury.”
By providing Headway Suffolk’s clients with loving and non-judgmental canine companions, the project enhances their sense of purpose and motivation. The program takes various forms, from clients adopting dogs to scheduled visits from these specially trained animals.
"My Brainy Dog gave me a purpose. I wanted to end my life; now I do not."
The Brainy Dogs Impact
The impact is profound, offering individuals a reason to get out of bed in the morning, fostering responsibility, and boosting self-confidence. The therapeutic benefits extend to improved communication skills, as clients engage with other dog owners during walks, and physical fitness through regular dog walks aids in brain recovery.
“The visits I get from Oakley have improved my life because everything was so boring. She completes my life by giving me a sense of purpose. She brightens my life.”
The project has garnered significant media attention, featuring in prominent outlets such as the Daily Mirror, Reader's Digest, and BBC national television. As a testament to its success, the Chief Executive of Headway Suffolk has been invited to 10 Downing Street and Buckingham Palace, where she has advocated for brain injury awareness. Heartfelt testimonials from clients emphasise the transformative impact of Brainy Dogs, offering a renewed sense of purpose, acceptance, and joy to those grappling with the challenges of brain injuries.
Did you know?
The Brainy Dogs initiative was inspired by the story of a Royal Navy veteran who sustained a head injury and was given a companion dog.
“People talk about my dog when I am out and not the fact half my skull is missing.”Back
