More than 300 people attend Head Injury Information Day in Edinburgh

Digby Brown was delighted to host its 15th regional Head Injury Information Day (HIID) on Thursday 1 October.

The free exhibition at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in the capital brought together brain injury survivors, their families, friends and carers alongside healthcare experts, charities and support groups working in the local area.

Those who attended learned about the recovery and rehabilitation services on offer from leading professionals in the field and heard inspiring stories from those with lived experience of brain injury.

Guests also took part in an interactive workshop led by Edinburgh Headway Group.

Image

Chris Stewart, Partner and Head of our Serious Injury department, said: “We’re proud that our regional HIID events have become a platform where the brain injury community can come together and listen to informative sessions they can relate to.

"Every day we work to support survivors of serious and life-changing injuries and we see the difference that collaborative care can make. HIID allows people to learn from each other and strengthen this network of support. 

“We hope those who attended now feel informed about the support available to them locally to aid their recovery and improve day-to-day living. Thank you to all of the fantastic speakers and exhibitors who generously shared their time with us to make this possible."

More than 300 people attended Edinburgh HIID and heard from key speakers like Alistair Thomson, brain injury survivor, who bravely shared his story.

Image

Alistair was cycling one morning when he was struck by a car – he said: “I struggled with almost everything after the crash. I couldn’t stay awake, my vision was all wrong - my brain just grinded to a halt.

“I learned that brain injury affects everyone differently and for me I found that group activities were going to be a really helpful environment.

“I don’t know where I would be without Edinburgh Headway Group who stepped in when I needed support the most.”

Guests also heard from Fionna Balfour who sought support from Headway East Lothian following her brain injury.

Image

In her presentation ‘Acquired Brain Injury: A Hidden Disability’ she said: “People at Headway East Lothian have had all different things happen to them - an accident, a stroke, illness - but you just feel at ease and at home. We don’t have to explain ourselves or apologise - you’re with your friends.

“What I'd say to others is don’t despair - it does get better.

“Sometimes we feel like we don’t have a voice. Events like this give us the chance to have one.”

Upcoming Head Injury Information Day Events

To keep up with plans for future HIID events, including the second National Head Injury Conference taking place on Tuesday 14 September 2027, you can visit the HIID website and follow HIID on Instagram and LinkedIn.