Stories of volunteers supporting the health service since 1949
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.
Eric Dontenville is appointed Chair of FAABI.
After a successful launch event, FAABI is up and running, and begins by hosting events like trips to the Tate Modern, and photography classes.
In October, FAABI hosts its first social and fundraising event, a swim-a-thon at the Marshall Street Baths.
FAABI holds its first Subbuteo World Cup, where players compete against one another while enjoying drinks and refreshments. It soon became an annual tradition.
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.
A donation from the Big Lottery Fund allows FAABI to introduce new activities, such as Tai Chi, to brain injury survivors.
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.
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.
FAABI transitions to delivering its first virtual events, reaching more survivors of a brain injury than ever before.
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.
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.
Valerie Semeria is appointed as Chair of FAABI.
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