‘Poetry allowed me to tell my story’: brain injury survivors share recovery journeys in Ballymena
Some of those who were involved with the Finding the Words project, left-right, Speech and Language Therapist within the Brain Injury Service, Stephanie Murray, Dr Liz Maybin, Brain Injury Service Manager, Ann (service user), Jacqueline Pogue, Sarah (service user), Dr Shelley Tracey, Geoff & Brenda (service users), Martin (service user) and Conor Shields, Chief Executive of the Community Arts Partnership.
Saturday 31 October 2026
People living with brain injury have turned experiences they found difficult to talk about into poetry, creating a podcast and booklet intended to help others facing life after injury.
Launched at an event in Ballymena, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Finding the Words project gave participants space to explore changes in their lives, express emotions and connect with people who understood their experiences.
One participant reflected that ‘poetry allowed me to tell my story’, while another said, ‘it helped me express feelings I found difficult to say’.
Finding a way to express difficult experiences
The Trust’s Community Brain Injury Service worked with Community Arts Partnership to deliver a series of creative workshops led by poet Dr Shelley Tracey. The initiative was funded through Charitable Trust Funds.
Participants used poetry and conversation to reflect on their recovery journeys. The companion booklet explores themes including identity, resilience, hope and the importance of connection.
According to the Trust, participants described arriving uncertain about poetry, but many found it offered a way to express feelings and experiences that might otherwise remain unspoken.
The podcast features participants reading their own poems and speaking candidly about recovery and what they gained from taking part.
Recovery beyond physical rehabilitation
Dr Shelley Tracey pictured with Conor Shields, Chief Executive of the Community Arts Partnership.
Stephanie Murray, a Speech and Language Therapist within the Brain Injury Service, explained why opportunities to communicate personal experiences matter.
“We know that recovery following a brain injury is about much more than physical rehabilitation. It can involve adapting to significant life changes, rebuilding confidence and finding new ways to understand and communicate personal experiences.”
She said:
“The Finding the Words project created a safe and supportive space where participants could reflect on their journeys through poetry, share their stories and connect with others who have had similar experiences. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who generously shared their experiences.”
Survivors’ words to support others
The podcast and poems will now be used as a resource within the Brain Injury Service to support service users and carers navigating life after brain injury.
Professor Michele Kavanagh, Personal and Public Involvement Lead for Psychological Services, acknowledged Dr Tracey’s contribution and the work of Jacqueline Pogue, whose leadership helped bring the project to fruition before her retirement.
She said:
“Most importantly, I want to thank all of the service users who so generously shared their experiences. Their honesty, creativity and willingness to take part have created a valuable resource that will offer meaningful support to others affected by brain injury.”
Speaking at the launch, Community Arts Partnership Chief Executive Conor Shields said:
“The project highlights how creative approaches can complement rehabilitation by supporting psychological adjustment, encouraging self-expression and fostering peer support among people living with the effects of brain injury.”
For future service users and their families, the recordings and booklet will offer access to something beyond an explanation of rehabilitation: people describing life after brain injury in their own words.
