Social Networking

Maybe you would like to talk to someone who has journeyed along a similar road?

Maybe your family member is living with a brain tumour and you would like to be able to support them?

Maybe you feel more comfortable and confident talking online rather than meeting ‘face to face’?

Maybe you are living with a brain tumour, or caring for a loved one, and would like an opportunity to meet others?!

Brainwaves NI understands that there are lots of possible ‘maybes’. We therefore plan a broad range of opportunities for ‘networking’ and meeting others.

Our calendar of events, which are financed by the Charity, are planned to be relaxed and have included weekend trips, excursions to tourist attractions and social outings.

Members of the Brainwaves NI family and community on a weekend break in Londonderry [September 2013]

We currently host two support meet-ups a year.  Along with information evenings, specialist talks and family weekends these are a regular calendar fixture in our overall support programme.

Held twice a year in Jury’s Hotel, Belfast; these are organised to provide an opportunity for new patients, carers and their families to meet our members and get together for a relaxing social evening meeting and bonding with others – old and new.

As always there was a great rapport and positive interaction for patients and carers.  Our members are a large support community and family. The Brainwaves NI committee actively work to connect patients with others sharing a similar journey and encouraging informal regional support networks.

New members are welcomed and over refreshments they are able to get information and support. Giving a chance for new patients, carers and families to discuss their journey with experienced support members as well as other patients and carers who understand their experience.

Simply summarised with some recent feedback:

“It is so nice not having to explain things to people who have no understanding of what it means to live with or recover from a brain tumour, so to be in the company of people who have walked the walk, means so much.”

BrainwavesNI group on Belfast Big Day Out June 2011                    Patient Information Day, October 2010                                           Brainwaves NI group on visit to W5, June 2010

Past Social Events have included:

Theatre outings over the years … to Miss Saigon; Riverdance; Evita; Starlight Express & Cats …. to name a few

October 2015: We attended the International Brain Tumour Alliance (IBTA) 4th World Summit for Brain Tumour Research

October 2015: Another fantastic family weekend break for families affected by a Brain tumour in Northern Ireland

November 2009: Reception with Lord Mayor of Derry and week-end break at City Hotel, to enjoy the Halloween Celebrations

January 2008: Pantomime Grand Opera House

May 2007: Week-end break Manor House Hotel, Co. Fermanagh.

January 2006: Pantomime at Grand Opera House, Belfast

April 2005: Week-end break at Radisson Roe Hotel, Limavady, visit to Glenveagh National Park and Giant’s Causeway.

2005: Portrush Air Show Display.One-day workshop on Mono-printing, Art therapy and Photography

June 2004: Guys & Dolls Musical. Cast joined members at Jury’s Hotel for a photo opportunity.

December 2004: Week-end break for families and carers to Buncrana including a visit to Doagh Island, Donegal’s Lapland

July 2003: Weekend in Omagh & Ulster American Folk Park Independence Day Celebrations

June 2003: Creativity week-end at Corrymeela

2002: Day trip to Dublin & Visit to W5, Odyssey Belfast

2002: Trip to Pantomime at Grand Opera House, Belfast

Day Trip to Louden Castle, Glasgow.

If you think we should cover a particular topic, or have a great suggestion for a fantastic outing, please let us know and get in contact!

To be kept informed on our activities and upcoming events, please contact us and register your interest in becoming a member.

There is no cost to be a member.  MEMBERSHIP IS FREE!