History

History 2019-06-17T13:58:27+00:00

A lot of charities come about following a personal experience and Brainfartz is no exception. In 2006, Jonathan and his family commenced on a totally unplanned journey that over the years has undergone a number of twists and turns throwing up numerous challenges on the way. Their ultimate challenge has been adapting to living with an Acquired Brain Injury.

During this frustrating and time-consuming period of trying to find appropriate rehabilitation and recreational opportunities that did not have the ‘one size fits all’ attitude, they identified that there was a huge gap in services.

Following a particular throw away comment from a member of the public, who thought they were being helpful in suggesting dominoes with the old chaps as a suitable pass time for Jonathan, an idea that had been brewing, to develop a centre providing rehabilitation, recreational, vocational and social opportunities for adults affected by an acquired brain injury, post- acute stage, gathered momentum and took shape.

A visit to a generalised recovery centre in another county, confirmed that their idea was workable, as the model they had visualised, was, albeit under another guise, already in existence and having a positive impact on those members using and working at the centre.

Brainfartz was born… Why the name? We hear you ask

Well, Jonathan was left with the task of coming up with a few names, within seconds he was distracted and as there was nobody to immediately prompt him back to the task he forgot what he was doing. When asked five minutes later if he had successfully thought of any names he had no recollection of being asked to think of any.

“I’ve had a ‘brainfart’ moment, haven’t I?”

After a brief pause, Jonathan exclaimed “That’s it, Brainfartz, (with a z and not an s) has to be the name, its short and even those who do not have an acquired brain injury will be able to relate to how it feels after experiencing one. We can get them to explain how confused just having one makes them feel and then ask them to try to imagine what it would feel like to continually have them throughout the day!”