Brain injury group passes six-month milestone

The group is not only for people with brain injuries, but also their partners, carers, friends and at least one dog

A support group for people with brain injuries in East Devon is hoping to expand its numbers after a successful first six months, leaders say.

Minds over Matter runs once a month in a pub in Ottery St Mary and is set up to be a social club with cake, music and, most importantly, games.

The group was set up to not only be for people with such injuries, but also their family members, carers, and friends and in an environment that was not sterile.

The group already has 20 members but those involved members said they wanted to become a community hub, inviting professionals such as speech therapists and physiotherapists to offer advice.

Pub games like darts, pool, and table football are always available to the group.

Dan Sutton, 40, was injured almost 10 years ago when he was hit by a bicycle.

He now has aphasia, which makes it hard for him to communicate, but he said he loved to get stuck in with activities when the group met.

He said: "The group is class. The cards, the pool, the darts, I love it".

The group was originally set up by his parents, Mike and Jackie Sutton.

Mike Sutton said: "We thought this was much better than a room and a coffee, and we wanted the young and young-at-heart people to come along for the pub games and board games".

The decision was made to run it in the Lamb and Flag pub in the town because it was a completely different atmosphere to other support groups, he added.

Pub co-owner Sanaz Worthington said: "It's a really social group, not regimented; it's very free-flowing, very calm, very homely.

"It's a very friendly environment in here".

Minds Over Matter meets every second Monday of the month.