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Friends Voices

Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949

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Friends of Attend ABI

Friends of Attend logo

The Friends of Attend ABI (FAABI) is a charity founded by volunteers sharing a common goal — to enhance the well-being of those impacted by brain injuries through social activities, workshops, events, and information sessions, where members can make new friends and learn new skills.

FAABI is entirely led and run by dedicated and skilled volunteers. Some of their well-being activities include Tai-Chi, book club, Learn to Play an Instrument, and arts & crafts. Their educational activities include “Law for Life”, where brain injury survivors and their loved ones can learn about how the law impacts their day-to-day life, “An Evening with…” nights hosted by a guest speaker, Brain Injury Awareness training, and other informational sessions on relevant topics such as housing and benefits.

FAABI runs monthly social activities such as movie nights and other off-site events for brain injury survivors and their loved ones. These initiatives are designed to empower individuals living with brain injuries and their families, enabling them to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to embrace life to its fullest extent.

2012

Eric Dontenville is appointed Chair of FAABI.

2013

After a successful launch event, FAABI is up and running, and begins by hosting events like trips to the Tate Modern, and photography classes.

2013

In October, FAABI hosts its first social and fundraising event, a swim-a-thon at the Marshall Street Baths.

2014

Close up photo of a hand playing subbuteo

FAABI holds its first Subbuteo World Cup, where players compete against one another while enjoying drinks and refreshments. It soon became an annual tradition.

2016

Photograph of Actor Richard Lumsden

Richard Lumsden, now a FAABI regular and Ukulele teacher, makes his first appearance during “An Evening with Richard Lumsden,” an event in conversation with the actor and singer.

2017

Lottery crossed fingers logo

A donation from the Big Lottery Fund allows FAABI to introduce new activities, such as Tai Chi, to brain injury survivors.

2018

Close up photograph of someone playing a guitar

FAABI receives a grant for Music and Creative Writing sessions from the Living Communities Fund, allowing them to provide new activities such as music lessons and creative writing.

2019

Photo of Leathersellers Company Charitable Fund crest

FAABI is gifted funding from Leathersellers Company Charitable Trust. With Leathersellers’ contribution, they can provide adults who have an acquired brain injury (ABI) opportunities to engage in art.

2020

FAABI transitions to delivering its first virtual events, reaching more survivors of a brain injury than ever before.

2021

FAABI begins hosting social activities online, including Arts & Crafts, where attendees are sent art parcels to piece together alongside a professional artist over Zoom video.

2022

A partnership between Bolt Burdon Kemp and FAABI means that regular social events and activities could run both face-to-face and virtually. FAABI also receives funding from Arnold Clark to deliver its first Book Club.

2023

Valerie Semeria is appointed as Chair of FAABI.

Stories from Friends of Attend ABI

Claire shares her experiences of receiving an ABI and finding a new purpose along with it. She talks about her time volunteering and how it has inspired her to start her own blog and write a book.

Listen 00.04.59

Story: Claire Bullimore - London

Bridget started volunteering very early on when she accompanied her Mum to Church, where they arranged flowers, handed out hymn books and mended curtains. As she got older she took on these and other tasks within the church and continued throughout her own children’s younger years.

Listen 00.10.14

Story: Bridget Foley - London

"We could all pretend that we have a government or a societal structure that supports people. It doesn’t. I think most of the support that people get is from each other and from the community"

Listen 00:12:22

Story: Rosie Durham - London

Don't be afraid to look at your own talents, passions and apply them to the role as a volunteer.

Listen 15:48

Story: Mark Cheese - London

If supporting your community is a priority to you, if that's something you want it to be, I think, learn your barriers and learn how to work through those.

Listen 14:11

Story: Valerie Semeria - Central London, London

“None of us know how long we have. And she wanted to offer something that would be of some enduring value to the people that she loved.”

Listen 00:24:26

Story: Jane Ward, Richard Reoch - London, sri lanka

I couldn't imagine not having FAABI in my life - I would be in a different - very different - place.

Listen 00:09:19

Story: Jenny Chandler - London