Different Lives, Same Damage, our film about living with alcohol related brain damage

Earlier this year 5 men with alcohol related brain damage joined Sally and Chris from Infusion and Stephanie from Headway Ayrshire for a filmmaking project. They wanted to warn people about the dangers of brain damage that result from heavy drinking.  We all wanted the film to educate, inform and inspire. Over 9 months the men shared their stories and experiences. They talked about the daily challenges they face. There was sadness and humour. They became close friends and supported each other. Other people contributed too: an ex miner with alcohol related brain damage and his wife who is his carer, a consultant psychiatrist and other family members.

Sitar Rose, an award winning documentary film maker, made this moving film. It has had consistently glowing reviews from the wide range of people who have seen it.

As well as the film, the project had many other outcomes. It demonstrated the value of peer support, increased the men's self esteem, reduced their isolation and provided a very strong sense of achievement.

The project confirmed for us the value of well supported groups which combine a creative focus with opportunities for peer support.  Echoing findings of a Fuller Life (attached below) the project also emphasised the high risk of people with alcohol related brain damage being very isolated within their communities.  We believe that intensive support to build stronger community connections could be usefully allied with this group work approach.

We are keen to find opportunities to further develop this approach.

Download:

AFullerLife.pdf