A BRAIN injury support group based in Dumbarton has received a cash boost for its therapeutic days out thanks to a West Scotland housebuilder.

The Brain Injury Experience Network (BIEN) has received £1,000 from Persimmon Homes West Scotland courtesy of its Community Champions scheme.

The group also recently received a £400 donation from the family of Andy McLeod, a former member from Alexandria who sadly passed away at the age of 59 after a long battle with his injury.

Anyone that has experienced an acquired brain injury is invited to attend the group’s meetings which take place on the third Wednesday of every month at 12noon in the Conchord Centre.

Alistair Stewart at BIEN, said: “This donation from Persimmon Homes means we can enjoy fishing trips, meals and days out with our members that we would not normally be able to afford.

“Everyone in the group has had a head injury of varying degrees – some of us are more affected than others.

“We know Persimmon’s donation will allow us to create many happy memories for everyone at BIEN.”

Angela Sprott, the service co-ordinator for Acquired Brain Injuries at the West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), spoke to the Reporter about the work that the group does.

She said: "It's a community group and anyone with a brain injury is welcome to attend. They provide support for each other, talk about their concerns and living with their injuries.

"A brain injury brings about a big change in a persons life, it impacts their memory, their work, their ability to drive, there are so many issues that crop up. It can feel very isolating and with this group they can get together and talk about it.

"It also helps them to understand the injuries a bit more themselves, they have guest speakers in to talk about it. The chair, Chris Daly and the social convener Steven Cochran do so much to help raise awareness and educate even GPs and other professionals."

One of the groups most popular excursions are the regular fishing trips which were so loved by Andy McLeod that his family donated a fishing cup, now named the McLeod Cup, along with the £400.

Doug Law, managing director at Persimmon Homes West Scotland, added: “The Brain Injury Experience Network do fantastic work with people that have sadly suffered a brain injury in the community.

“We hope our grant will allow the team to experience many great days out.

“Persimmon Homes West Scotland has had a fantastic response to our Community Champions initiative and it is always difficult to pick a winner. If applicants have previously been unsuccessful we urge you to visit our website and re-apply.”

To apply for Community Champions funding visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity, or for more information, visit www.persimmonhomes.com.